Flood Action Week – Preparing for Winter
With winter just around the corner, it’s important for people who may be at risk of flooding to be prepared for the possibility of flood water entering the home. There are several practical steps people can take now and some considerations for communities this winter.
Steps to take now
Check your flood risk using official websites England: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/ Wales: https://naturalresources.wales/flooding/check-your-flood-risk-by-postcode/?lang=en
Sign up to flood alerts and weather warnings from the Met Office.
Review your insurance to check that it covers flooding and extreme weather.
Store important documents, keys, prescription drugs and precious memorabilia such as photos upstairs or on top of shelves in waterproof boxes as flood water can move furniture.
Have a bag of clothes and toiletries, chargers, medication ready in case flooding enters the property and you must move out.
If you have PFR check that it’s in good condition now (e.g. are seals peeling?) If you don’t have PFR make a list of easy/cheap alternative actions. Look into cheaper PFR that can be self-installed, such as air brick covers, bottles or wellies around table legs, or specialist flood tape.
Make a Flood Action Plan so you know what to do if a flood happens. It’s also worth preparing an emergency flood kit as part of the plan.
Supporting your community
Check on neighbours to make sure they are as prepared as they can be, especially if they are older/vulnerable.
It may be worth looking at somewhere that cars could be moved to, out of the way of water, if it does flood.
Report any blocked highways drains to the local council as soon as possible.
Don't drive through any water that may have gathered. You don't know how deep it will be and there may be hidden dangers under flood water.
