Flooding is almost impossible to prevent and usually difficult to predict. With the recent flooding following Storm Bert and the risk of more flooding predicted, there is time to prepare.
We have continued to see news reports from across England and Wales following Storm Bert, sharing accounts of flooding and the damage that’s been caused in local communities over the past weekend – to homes and businesses.
Stay Informed
We urge everyone to stay safe and listen to updates and weather warnings for your local area. However, many people have reported they didn’t receive appropriate warnings, so if there’s any possibility you may be affected by flooding it’s worth being vigilant. Some will have experienced flooding before, but flash flooding can impact new areas so it’s a good idea to think about what actions you can take to be prepared.
You can check for flood warnings England using this Government website, and in Wales using this website. For advice on how to support elderly residents during a flood event, check this page from Age UK’s website.
Be Prepared
It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place if there’s any possibility of flooding.
- Familiarise yourself with the government’s alert systems
- Make an evacuation plan – for your family and your pets. Plan what you’ll need to take with you and ensure you have medication and any medical equipment, phone charger and other essentials with you. Put some blankets in your vehicle – and plan your route out!
- Prepare an emergency kit – in case you need to leave quickly. Use the Red Cross guide to prepare your emergency kit which could include a mobile phone charger, medication, drinking water, emergency contact and support numbers, your insurance documents, something to wear, and waterproof clothing.
- Let your neighbours know – especially those that are elderly or vulnerable, and help them to prepare too.
- Take photographs around your home – this may help with insurance claim.
- Move sentimental, valuable and important items/documents upstairs. Ensure photographs and treasured posessions are out of reach of flood water.
During a Flood
- If the flood is posing a threat to your safety, call the emergency services immediately.
- Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over. Two feet of water can float a car.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage. If you’re exposed, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly in clean water.
More advice about what to do during a flood and how to stay safe can be found on the National Flood Forum (covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Scottish Flood Forum websites.
Your Insurance Documents
Always have your policy documents in a safe place with your precious items and medications. Go online and download PDF versions to your phone, or call your account handler and ask for these to be emailed to you if you no longer have the original email. Add the relevant claim numbers to your phone in case you need them, together with your policy number. And don’t forget your phone charger!
Have you experienced flooding?
If you have been flooded already, check our article on how to stay safe when the flood waters have retreated and you can access your property again. The danger isn’t over and you still need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Our Claims Team are available to support our clients if they have been affected by the flooding, just contact your usual Account Handler or if you don’t have their details to hand, just contact the office on 0115 942 0111 or email [email protected]