Before a flood

Advice on preparing before a flood happens:

• Be aware of the flooding risks to your property; 
• Make sure that you are insured, check with home contents and building insurers and seek their advice; 
• Be aware of the latest news, weather reports and any flood warning in force from the Environment Agency; 
• Make up a family flood plan. Make a flood kit, including a battery / wind up radio, torches, blankets, waterproof clothing, plastic gloves, first aid kit, camera, and any other personal documents or valuable possessions; 
• Ensure that you understand the flood warning system; 
• Prepare children’s essentials; 
• Safely store family medication; 
• If flooding is imminent, turn off gas, electricity and water at the mains; 
• Unplug electrical items and move them upstairs if possible;
• Move furniture and any sentimental items upstairs if possible; 
• Install sandbags and / or flood boards to external doors, cover up airbricks; 
• Put sandbags on top of manholes;
• Move your car to higher ground if possible; 
• If there are any vulnerable neighbours living nearby ensure that they are also prepared; 
• House gullies should be cleared of debris, leaves etc, to help flood water drain away; 
• Plug sinks/baths and put a sand bag in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow; 
• Ensure safety of pets and animals.

Confirm that you are properly insured under the terms and conditions of your insurance policy.  The Association of British Insurers has advised that many householder’s (both buildings and contents) policies, comprehensive motor policies and many business policies do cover damage by flood water.  In the event of flooding to your property inform your insurers that you need to submit a claim by telephoning the emergency help-line provided by your insurers and which will probably operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Then follow this general advice:

• Damaged possessions should not be disposed of until your insurance company instructs you to do so; 
• Photographs or a video of the damage will assist your claim; 
• Take time in calculating your claim, how much work is required to be done, replacement requirements and the costs involved. If necessary seek technical advice; 
• Supervise your own repairs and building work wherever possible - do not rely on loss adjusters or insurance companies; 
• Try to employ a local builder if possible. Alternatively your insurer may be able to advise recommended builders in your area; 
• Please be aware of opportunist builders who have been known to move into areas following emergencies. If your need is urgent you may have no alternative, but do not agree to handing over money in advance, this should only be done when the job is completed to your satisfaction.

What support will I get from the local authorities?

The immediate response to a disaster is provided by the emergency services - Police, Fire and Rescue, and Ambulance service.  Lincolnshire County Council and each District, City and Borough Council within the county has a plan for civil emergencies.  In the case of flooding and where properties are flooded, District, City and Borough Councils will provide support and guidance to residents.