Floods

Here's a few tips that we've put together to help you go through your home and possible changes you may want to make.

:: Drive way
If you are looking at giving your garden (front and/or back) a makeover then why not consider using permeable paving.

Use a surface that water can drain through such as gravel on matting or spaced blocks.
You want a paved surface that allows the passage of water through voids between the paving blocks/slabs which will help avoid flooding from outside.

:: Garden
Why not install a water butt, they are great to use all year round. They will catch water throughout the weather conditions and can be used around the garden afterwards.

:: Drains
The lower the drain in relation to the floor level the greater the need for action. These levels will always be affected by their relationship to the flood level.

Purchase drainage plugs and covers that can be fitted once a flood warning has been issued or fit permanent non-return valves to drains that will prevent back flow and the extremely unpleasant prospect of sewage entering your property.

:: Cellar / Basement
Has your basement been adequately tanked? If not, what is the porosity of the ground? Make sure your drains in the cellar are clear.

:: Insurance
Many people have seen their insurance rise over the past year, after flooding affected the whole of South Yorkshire. Make sure you are covered for flooding when taking out new or renewing your cover. Most importantly don't under estimate the value of your contents

Sandbags: Keeping the flood at bay

:: Have a plan: It might sound over the top but what will you if it happens again?

• What will need to be moved? - Cars, furniture, electrical equipment...
• Where will you move it to?
• Who will you contact?
• Have you got important documents stored upstairs or on a high shelf?
• Put together a pack?

:: A flood plan - Prepare a flood kit, it might sound over the top but you never know;

• Copies of your insurance documents
• A torch
• A radio
• Spare batteries
• Waterproof clothing and blankets
• Bottled water and non perishable foods (for children too if you have them)
•  Important contact numbers

:: Sandbags
Your local council may provide you with these. You can make your own by filling up pillowcases and plastic bags but make sure you dispose of them afterwards.

Plastic covers to seal airbricks, this can stop flood water coming in through your airbricks

:: Floodboards
These are plastic cover which can be fixed around lower doors and windows. These can be washed and stored elsewhere and used again.

:: Something to consider for the house

• Lay ceramix tiles on your ground floor.
• Use rugs which can be easily stored on higher ground rather than carpets.
• Raise the height of electrical sockets to 1.5 metres above the ground level.
• Use lime plaster, rather than gypsum on walls.
• Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard
• Install boilers and any other heating equipment upstairs
• Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes.
• Install synthetic windows and doors, instead of wooden ones.

Official websites to look through for further information:

You can call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188 any time night or day for real-time flood warnings and advice.