Am I About to be FLOODED?
So that you can best prepare for the possibility of flooding it’s a good idea to find out whether your home or business is at risk. If you have been flooded before you know that your home or business is at risk, but with numbers of flood events on the increase, it is worth checking whether you are in a ‘high risk’ area. You can do this by looking at the Environment Agency flood map on the web site: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/. If you don’t have access to the internet, your local library will do.
The reality of having your home flooded is difficult to understand unless you have been through the experience – you can face months away from home while it is restored. The prospect of throwing away the downstairs contents of your home and an immense amount of disruption to normal family life.
Make plans to evacuate the family . where will you go? Can children go to friends or relatives? Keep a number for a local hotel/B&B with your contact list . your insurance should cover the cost.
Have as airbrick covers / door gates available if they are appropriate to your property. Have the number of your local council available so that you can contact them to provide sandbags if they are needed.
Advice "snipped" from the incredibly informative http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ web site.
If You ARE Flooded
Avoid contact with floodwater as may be contaminated with sewage..
- Even if it looks as though it is clean, flood water is often contaminated and can cause illness.
- Personal hygiene is very important - wash hands regularly and cover any scratches. Hands should also be washed before preparing food, eating, drinking or smoking.
- Mould can grow quickly in the damp conditions and attack the throat, nose and lungs. It may be best to keep the young and the elderly, who will have weaker immune systems, away from the flooded property until declared safe for habitation.
- Get medical help immediately if any health concerns are identified.
Contact friends, relatives, your employer and children's schools by mobile phone to let them know what has happened.
People are usually very understanding as they realise what a dreadful experience flooding is..
If you have to move to a B&B or hotel as a temporary measure try and arrange this as quickly as possible; if a lot of families are flooded in your area it might be difficult to find accommodation..
Make plans as to where you are going to stay whilst repairs are being carried out to your home, do this quite quickly as if a lot of people have been flooded in your area it may be difficult to find temporary accommodation.
The BBC News web site has some useful information and advice:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6913452.stm
Some Products to Protect Your Property
Flood Barriers - variable height flood barriers provide total flood protection to doors and windows, whilst also preserving the visual integrity of the building. Flood Barriers are the ideal flood defence for homes, commercial premises and retail outlets.
Tandem press locking system designed for maximum strength & safety.
Aluminium construction for strength and ease of use.
Widely used and proven in flood situations throughout Europe.
Available for supply and fit or for supply only.
http://www.floodcontrol.co.uk/flood-barrier.htm
The Total Solution
Take two award-winning ideas from Floodguards, combine them and you arrive at the ultimate in flood protection flexibility.
For areas prone to long-lasting floods or where buildings are made of very porous materials, entrances and walls need defending – which means you need the Floodguard/Rapidam Combo.
The Rapidam is used to protect the main body of the building, leaving entrances and fire exits free. This allows the premises to continue to be used at a time of high flood risk.
When flood waters begin to threaten the building, Floodguards are clipped into place, sealing off the entrances and exits from water. This takes approximately 30 seconds per entrance.
In a flood season, the Rapidam can be positioned, with Floodguards put in place only when the danger is imminent. This is particularly useful for commercial buildings that need to remain operational for the maximum amount of time.
The Floodguard/Rapidam Combo is significantly cheaper than the cost of water damage and is reusable, flood season after flood season.
Unlike inefficient sandbags, the Floodguard/Rapidam Combo is quick to erect and has no disposal costs. Many insurance companies will also re-instate withdrawn insurance cover or reduce premiums if an investment is made in a Floodguard/Rapidam Combo.
http://www.floodguards.com/the_total_solution.htmlFlood Warnings in the UK - Olive Drab Polypropylene Sandbags
Olive drab polypropylene sandbags with drawstring closure. Ideal protection for Property in areas with High Flooding risks and Emergency Flood Protection.
Even a foot or so of water around your house from minor flooding can cause severe damage.
There are two ways to protect doorways, the most likely place for water to find a way into your home: Sandbags and urethane foam.
Sandbags have long been the most common method to get some protection, but many local governments limit the number of sandbags provided to each home, possibly enough to barricade only two doorways. Some have stopped making them available at all.
Length: 770mm
Width: 400mm
Colour: Olive drab
Quantity discount:10 - 88p each
25 - 80p each
50 - 75p each
British Army Hessian Sandbags from:
http://www.surplusandadventure.com/ishop/800/shopscr427.html
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE EMPTY BAGS - SAND IS NOT INCLUDED -
I like the "included" warning: I can only assume "sand" will be an extra charge!
The three web sites listed above were the best I could find from a poor bunch.
Question AskJack:
Note: AJ is NOT affiliated to any company or web site listed in this news update.
Read more about "The history of Floods"
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