The first priority in a flood Is to protect yourself and your family. 

In some cases of serious flooding, you are likely to be asked to evacuate from your homes or businesses. This will be carried out by multi-agency partners including the Police, Fire and Local Authorities. The most important part of this is to listen to the advice given and not to try and take every belonging you own with you.

The multi-agency partners will do their best to evacuate you and your family and any pets that you own. This may be done in multi-journeys with those most at risk assisted first. 

Understandably you are concerned about your possessions and property and therefore in some cases it is advised that you try to move any possessions to higher floors or prop them up on platforms/stilts. 

Flood water is contaminated!

Flood water is highly likely to be contaminated. Flood water is rarely clear and often a muddy brown colour. The water is likely home to a high number of hazardous contents and could also be full of raw sewage. Therefore, it’s imperative you spend as little time as possible in contact with it. Some useful tips if you do come in contact with it, are:

• Wear rubber boots and gloves
• Wash all cuts and cover with waterproof plasters.  Anyone who receives a puncture wound in a flood incident may need to seek professional medical advice to ensure it is not infected and to identify if a booster shot is required.
• Avoid it all together! Everyone should avoid flood water, however women that are pregnant, small children, the elderly or vulnerable should stay as far away from it as possible.
• Medical Provision – should you ingest any flood water or start to feel unwell it is important you seek professional medical attention as soon as possible, you must ensure that you state you have been in contact with flood water. 

Flood water can damage buildings!

As we know, water gets everywhere and finds any gap to get through. Often the shear power of the water can increase any gaps or holes and cause larger longer-term issues. Flood water that is over 1 metre high, is flowing quickly or has been in a building for some time is likely to have caused serious damage.

You should always:

• Check: Before entering a property that has been damaged from flood water, that it is safe to enter. Structurally it may be unsafe to enter.
• Lifting: Be careful when moving or lifting anything brought in by flood water. Things may be sharp, heavier or more problematic than you first thought.
• Hidden Hazards: There are countless possibilities when it comes to hidden hazards from flooding, these include:
  • Outdoors – A road, pathway or garden that we know well, could be completely different under flood water. Manhole covers could have been removed, debris could have been deposited and you may not be as far from the dip in ground level than you thought. The key point is, if you can’t see what’s below then you don’t know it’s safe!
  • Indoors – Flood water damages everything; what was once fine, probably isn’t now! Electrics in a house need to be thoroughly checked before use and it is unlikely anything the water has touched can be used again.

For more information please visit: During a flood – National Flood Forum