Make an emergency flood plan
Flooding happens quickly and often when you least expect it. It's easy to lose each other at time like this. Preparing an emergency flood plan will help you through a serious situation. Creating the plan with your children, explaining what to do and even practising the plan will prepare them for the time when you may need it.
Your flood plan
Prepare for flooding. Use this checklist as your flood plan. Start using it today, before a flood happens.
1. Check your insurance cover
- Check your buildings and contents insurance policy.
- Confirm you are covered for flooding.
- Find out if the policy replaces new for old and if it has a limit on repairs.
- Don’t underestimate the value of your contents.
2. Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
- Ask your supplier how to do this
- Mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember.
3. Prepare a flood kit of essentials items
- Copies of your home insurance documents
- A torch with spare batteries
- A wind-up or battery radio
- Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets
- A first aid kit and prescription medication
- Bottled water and non-perishable foods
- Baby food and baby care items
- A list of important contact numbers including Floodline 0845 988 1188.
Keep your flood kit handy. Make sure your family know where it is kept.
4. Know who to contact and how
- Agree where you will go and how to contact each other.
- Check with your council if pets are allowed at evacuation centres.
- Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.
5. Think about what you can move now
- Don’t wait for a flood. Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.
6. Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood
- Outdoor pets
- Cars
- Furniture
- Electrical equipment
- Garden pot plants and furniture
- What else?...............
