What to Do if Your House Floods
Flooding is not an uncommon occurrence. If you live on a flood plain, or within reach of a river, stream or the ocean, there is always a possibility that your home will be flooded if adverse weather strikes. Some people are used to flooding as it affects them every year, but if you have not yet experienced the trauma of flooding, here are some tips to guide you in the event your home floods.
Flooding is traumatic for many reasons. Many people end up losing the contents of their home and are forced to move out because of the damage. If you have insurance, you can repair your home and replace your furniture and belongings, but money can’t replace personal items such as photographs and other treasured items. Flooding also causes huge problems for the minority of people who did not have insurance, because they then have to borrow money from a company like ukhomeandpersonalloans.co.uk to pay for damage repairs.
Hopefully flooding never affects your property, but if it does, take note of the following advice.
Pay Attention to Weather Warnings
Flooding rarely happens without any prior warning. Rivers do burst their banks very fast, but this only happens after a torrential downpour or many hours of heavy rain. Most people know when they live in a flood-prone area, so it is sensible to pay close attention to Environment Agency alerts if a period of adverse weather is forecast. Forewarned is forearmed.
Move Essentials Upstairs
If flooding is imminent, move as much of your furniture and belongings upstairs as you can. It will be difficult to move heavy furniture, so prop it up on bricks or stack valuables on top of less precious pieces. That way, unless the water level is very high, you won’t lose everything.
Move Family and Pets Upstairs
If you are concerned about rising flood water, but you don’t have the option to escape immediately, move everyone upstairs, out of harm’s way. This includes pets that might not be able to escape as easily. Bedrooms and attic rooms are less likely to be flooded, but do make sure you have an escape route on to the roof if necessary.
Get Out ASAP
Where possible, move everyone out of the property. Flood water rises extremely quickly, so give you and your family enough time to escape. Local agencies usually offer assistance to vulnerable members of the community, so ask for help if you are caring for an elderly person or you have mobility problems. It is far better for everyone if you leave before flood water traps you in your home.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once the flood water begins to recede, contact your insurance company. They are trained to deal with this type of claim and can offer support of a practical and financial nature. The sooner you make a claim, the sooner a loss adjuster can be dispatched to get the ball rolling.
The National Flood Forum is a national network of people who can help offer advice on all things flood related, so contact them for help and support if you are affected by flooding.