Flooding is a natural process that can happen suddenly. While official bodies like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Local Authorities and the police all play a part in giving whatever advance warning and assistance is possible, the person who can do most to help is you.
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, do what you can to prepare for a flood. Don't wait until it happens, you may not have time.
In a flood you may find you're without lighting, heating or a telephone line. The following simple actions will help you to be prepared:
Beforehand
- Make sure you have adequate insurance. Flood damage is included in most buildings insurance policies but do check your home and contents are covered.
- Keep details of your insurance policy and the emergency contact number somewhere safe - preferably as part of your flood kit.
- Get into the habit of storing valuable or sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place.
- Make sure you know where to turn off your gas, electricity and water. If you're not sure ask the person who checks your meter when they next visit. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help you remember.
- Consider how you can protect your home. Buy some sandbags or other flood protection to block doorways and airbricks. In an emergency, make sandbags using old pillow cases, carrier bags or even tights filled with sand or earth. For more info log onto http://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/protection/index.htm
- Make a family flood plan.
- Make up a flood kit - including personal documents, torch, battery or wind up radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves, Wellington boots, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and blankets.
Making a Family Flood Plan
Because flooding happens so quickly and often when least expected, it is easy to lose each other at times. Preparing a family 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.
These elements should be part of your plan:
List of useful numbers | Your local council,
the emergency services,
your insurance company,
your Floodline quick-dial number |
Flood kit: | Make up your flood kit and make sure everyone knows where to find it. |
Childrens essentials | Make a list of the vital items you need. For example milk, baby food, sterilised bottles and spoons, nappies and wipes, nappy bags, spare clothing comforters, favourite toy or teddy. |
Medication | Would you need to take any family medication |
Valuables and sentimental belongings | Find a suitable storage space out of reach of flooding |
Flood Boards and sandbags | Know where any protection materials are kept and how to use them. |
Gas and electricity | Do you know how to turn them off, even in the dark, If you have oil fired heating turn the supply off at the tank. |
Car | Where would you move it to? |
Evacuation | If the flooding is severe you may be evacuated.
What would you need to take with you and what provision can you make for family pets?
If you choose to leave the house do you know where you would go and how you would get there?
If you decide to stay in the house but decamp upstairs make a list of all the things you will need. |
For more information please contact the SEPA floodline on 0845 988 1188
DEALING WITH BURST PIPES
Scottish Water advises people to take preventative action to avert the risk of freezing and burst pipes. http://www.scottishwater.co.uk/portal/page?_pageid=219,2954386&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Top Tips
- Lag water pipes
- Leave a key with neighbours or family if going away at the weekend
- Leave heating on in properties at a low level at all times
- Leave the attic hatch open to allow warmer air to circulate if pipes are not properly insulated
- Know where your stop valve is in case of an emergency
- If a pipe does burst contact a SNIPEF registered plumber
If pipes do freeze, Scottish Water recommends turning the water off at the mains stop valve, usually located in the kitchen and collecting cold water in the bath for washing and toilet flushing.
In the event of a burst pipe, residents should turn off the water and electricity supply at the mains, switch off any water heater and turn off the central heating system before contacting a plumber. Scottish Water's Customer Helpline can be contacted on 0845 601 8855 for advice on how to stem the flow.