Preventive Measures Against Floods

The occurrence of floods is something that may come with and without warning, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. However you are not that helpless. There are preventive measures you can do to lessen or control the damage and to protect your homes from the fury of the flood. This should always be your pushing factor to purchase a flood insurance cover for your house building and for the contents of your home.

In case of floods, here are the most basic steps that you can do to minimize damage to your properties. You should pay attention to three of the most critical aspects of your house, and these are electricity, gas and water. First of all remember to turn off all the main switches and controls of these three in your house. For sure you know where these controls are ahead of time. Do not wait for the flood to come before you look for the controls.

Make sure you unplug all the electrical items in your house and if possible haul them on higher places, like the second storey of your house or the attic. If you live in a flood zone, you should already be aware of ideal things to cover your doors and windows like sandbags, metal sheeting and others. Make your safety your priority but if you still have time, you can move as much furniture and things to higher places.

You can also roll up carpets and rugs to avoid them getting sodden and destroying their texture. As much as possible keep everything dry above water. If your house is in a flood zone, you must have a sealed emergency bag containing personal items and valuables like important documents, personal records and other items with sentimental value to you which no amount of insurance claim could replace.

Before anything like a flood happens, you could install your own flood defences as an advanced preparation. Check your local stores for products that can be installed in advance, like a 'flood board', air brick cover, or even plastic skirts to surround your whole property.

When a flood occurs, think of your own safety above all. In the event that you have to vacate your property, cooperate with emergency services and try to do as much as you can while it is still daylight. Remember floods have claimed so many lives. Do not allow yourself to be included in the long list of flood victims.

It may help you to prepare in advance too. Check the flood warnings in your region so you will know what actions to take. As a final precaution, make a personal flood plan for you and your family.

Your flood plan should include a flood escape route, what you need to carry in emergency cases, where you can go and other concerns with focus on your safety. From time to time tune in to your radio and television for flood warnings. You can also phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information.

If you are looking for information or advice on flood insurance or flood plain insurance or preventive measures against floods, visit us now. FloodInsuranceAdvice.com is a goldmine for information on all aspects of flood insurance.