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Flooding is a serious threat in the UK. One in five properties are at risk. To create a Flood Defence you need to prepare and understand what the risks are. Sandbags are the common defence, but modern alternatives exist such as instant sandbags.

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EditSteps

  1. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 1.jpg
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    Review the areas of risk. Where can water get into your home or business? Not just the doors - think about air bricks, garage doors and gaps around pipes.
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  2. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 2.jpg
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    Be prepared. Preparation is really important - review what products can help.
  3. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 3.jpg
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    Follow your flood plan. Your flood plan should start by trying to divert the flow of water away from the property. Always remember that flood barriers and sandbags need to be on site before you need them. Do not depend upon getting them during a flood - everyone will have sold out!
  4. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 4.jpg
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    Think about people first. If you think the water is imminent and could be greater than 50mm or fast moving - vacate the premises and get to high ground.
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    Consider having sandbags before you need them. Building sandbags defences takes time and you need lots of them. A typical house will require over 1 Tonnes. They need to be built in a triangular shape and interleave strong plastic sheets.
  6. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 6.jpg
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    Turn off the electricity and gas. Seal flues (Leaving a note inside to remind you to remove the covers)
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    Move valuables upstairs or raise them off of the floor.
  8. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 8.jpg
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    If you can keep a wind up radio and torch at hand. This will help with news and weather updates. If they are water proof - even better.
  9. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 9.jpg
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    If it is safe to do so - tell the neighbours.
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    If the water starts to rise fast it maybe wise to move upstairs - remember 20mm of water can move a car.
  11. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 11.jpg
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    After the flood, avoid contact with anything that has been soaked in the flood water (You do not know what has been in it!)
  12. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 12.jpg
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    Get professional advice on drying out any areas that have been flooded - Drying too quick can cause more damage.
  13. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 13.jpg
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    Contact the insurance company and keep a record of the call details.
  14. Defend Your Home from Flooding Step 14.jpg
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    Take pictures of the damage before trying to sort it.
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EditTips

  • Think people then property.
  • Water is powerful.
  • If it gets too high - get to higher ground before you cannot.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Prepare for a Flood

How to
Survive a Flood

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File a Flood Insurance Claim

How to
Cope Following a Flood

Article Info

Categories: Disaster Preparedness

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