|
Here are some quick and easy things you can do to help reduce the
damage of floodwater to your home and its contents. These steps do
not require pre-planning and will help if you only have a little
time to prepare for a flood.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains find
out now if you don't know where they are.
- Cookers, washing machines, dishwashers etc. connected by rigid
pipes to gas and water supplies should be disconnected. This will
prevent damage to the pipes if they move or float during the
flood.
- Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or high up.
- See if you can raise the item above floor level using bricks or
blocks this may be particularly helpful for larger appliances such
as fridge-freezers. Move furniture away from walls as this helps
with drying the property later.
- If items of furniture cannot be moved, weigh them down with a
heavy object or stack and tie them together. If the flood is severe
this will stop furniture floating around and causing damage such as
broken windows.
- If there is no time to remove curtains, hang them up over the
curtain rods so that they are kept above the floodwater.
- After flooding do not reconnect gas, electricity or water
services until systems are checked by an accredited engineer.
- Work with your neighbors to make your flood protection measures
more effective. This is particularly important if your home is part
of a terrace or is semidetached as water can come through adjoining
walls.
|
