| The occurrence of floods is something that may come | | | | as possible keep everything dry above water. If your |
| with and without warning, and there is nothing you can | | | | house is in a flood zone, you must have a sealed |
| do to stop it. However you are not that helpless. There | | | | emergency bag containing personal items and |
| are preventive measures you can do to lessen or | | | | valuables like important documents, personal records |
| control the damage and to protect your homes from | | | | and other items with sentimental value to you which no |
| the fury of the flood. This should always be your | | | | amount of insurance claim could replace. |
| pushing factor to purchase a flood insurance cover for | | | | Before anything like a flood happens, you could install |
| your house building and for the contents of your home. | | | | your own flood defences as an advanced preparation. |
| In case of floods, here are the most basic steps that | | | | Check your local stores for products that can be |
| you can do to minimize damage to your properties. | | | | installed in advance, like a 'flood board', air brick cover, |
| You should pay attention to three of the most critical | | | | or even plastic skirts to surround your whole property. |
| aspects of your house, and these are electricity, gas | | | | When a flood occurs, think of your own safety above |
| and water. First of all remember to turn off all the main | | | | all. In the event that you have to vacate your property, |
| switches and controls of these three in your house. | | | | cooperate with emergency services and try to do as |
| For sure you know where these controls are ahead | | | | much as you can while it is still daylight. Remember |
| of time. Do not wait for the flood to come before you | | | | floods have claimed so many lives. Do not allow |
| look for the controls. | | | | yourself to be included in the long list of flood victims. |
| Make sure you unplug all the electrical items in your | | | | It may help you to prepare in advance too. Check the |
| house and if possible haul them on higher places, like | | | | flood warnings in your region so you will know what |
| the second storey of your house or the attic. If you live | | | | actions to take. As a final precaution, make a personal |
| in a flood zone, you should already be aware of ideal | | | | flood plan for you and your family. |
| things to cover your doors and windows like sandbags, | | | | Your flood plan should include a flood escape route, |
| metal sheeting and others. Make your safety your | | | | what you need to carry in emergency cases, where |
| priority but if you still have time, you can move as | | | | you can go and other concerns with focus on your |
| much furniture and things to higher places. | | | | safety. From time to time tune in to your radio and |
| You can also roll up carpets and rugs to avoid them | | | | television for flood warnings. You can also phone |
| getting sodden and destroying their texture. As much | | | | Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information. |