Preparing for Flooding

August 22, 2017 - by Tony Earnshaw

Millions of people in the UK live in homes that are at risk from flooding. If you live in one of the 5.5 million properties at risk from flooding by surface water, river or sea, then it makes sense to be prepared.

Preparing Your Home

If you haven’t already signed up for flood alerts with Floodline, do so as soon as possible as any actions you can take to minimise the risk will help to keep your insurance down. Now you need to prepare your home to keep the flood water out.

The doorway is the first line of defence, so invest in a flood proof door or add floorboards. Contact your local council for sandbags to build a barrier to keep the floodwater out. Next you’ll need to raise the damp course and think seriously about tanking your floors to create an impermeable membrane that stops water rising through the floor. Cover any air bricks with special covers so your walls are as watertight as possible. Finally, fit non return valves wherever possible to drains and water pipes.

Consider using tiles for ground floor rooms, dry line the walls and varnish the skirting boards. Use water repellent materials wherever possible in kitchens and bathrooms, and raise electrical equipment on plinths. These measures will help to minimise potential damage.

Protecting Your Home

Whatever precautions you take, however, there is always the risk that floodwater will enter your home. Move any valuables to the highest shelf possible and encase valuable documents in waterproof bags. Keep home entertainment equipment above a 1.5m level and try to raise the level of your electric sockets if your home is prone to flooding.

If you are unlucky enough to be flooded, help is at hand. At UK Property Preservation, we’re flood restoration specialists so we can help to minimise the impact of flood damage. Contact us today for more details.