What to do in a flood 

Flooding can be a major hazard in some parts of the UK, so knowing what to do in a flood can help you to stay calm and do the right things, in what can be distressing and chaotic circumstances.

The damage that can be caused by flooding can be extensive and sometimes result in a total loss of your home. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are properly insured. If you live in a park home in a high flood risk area and have had difficulty finding park home insurance at a reasonable price, we may be able to insure you under the FloodRe scheme.

Forewarned is Forearmed

You can keep a close eye on the weather and be aware of any flood warnings in your area by checking the government flood warning website regularly. You can also sign up for warnings with Floodline from the Environment Agency or phone them on 0845 988 1188.

Early warning will allow you to prepare what defences you can and make other pre-flood preparations.

Sometimes, however, you may just not have enough warning. Rivers can swell and burst their banks in very short order in some conditions, leaving just minutes from the time a warning is issued to the moment the waters arrive at your door. Even with time to prepare and all your best efforts, it is still possible that flooding proves unstoppable.

This guide is designed to help you to know what to do in a flood, remain calm and minimise the damage to your home and danger to yourself.

Pre-flood Checks 

  1. Plan your evacuation

Think about how you will get out of your property in the event of a flood. Consider alternative exit points if your door is impassable. Have a safe place in mind to head to on higher ground and where help can be reached.

  1. Let your friends and family know your plan and how to contact you

This can avoid a lot of unnecessary stress and worry and ensure that assistance arrives with you as fast as possible.

  1. Learn how to turn off gas, electricity and mains water supplies

Remember to do this only if it is safe to do so. If you smell gas or find yourself already in water, it is best to evacuate and contact professionals who can help. Remember not to touch electrical systems when you are standing in water.

  1. Make a note of the items you will want to take with you and those you can move to a safer spot to avoid damage

If you have some time and it is safe, a pre-prepared list of items can help you quickly and efficiently save what you can by raising it off the floor.

  1. Make a list of useful numbers and keep it near the exit you intend to use to evacuate

Mobile phones can get lost, damaged or become inaccessible in a flood. Having hard copies of useful phone numbers can keep you in contact with the people you need, should this happen.

  1. Create a flood kit

Collect up some essential items such as a broom, spade, mop and bucket, rubber boots, gloves, protective clothing, a waterproof, battery-powered or wind-up radio, waterproof torch and bottled water for drinking.

What to do During a Flood

  1. Safety First!

Evacuate before it is too late. Follow any advice you are given from emergency services when they are in attendance.

  1. Disconnect Utilities

If you are in imminent danger of flooding and it is safe to do so, turn off your gas, water and electricity. Again, do not touch electrical sockets or appliances if you are standing in flood water.

  1. Keep the radio on

Maintain a check on the flood news and call floodline on 0845 988 1188, if you need to.

  1. Save what you can

Move valuable items and sentimentally important things to as high a level as you can. If you are on one floor, you could use tables and other furniture to keep your treasured items safer. If you can get to any garage or outbuildings you may have safely, you can attempt to move valuable items to a higher position.

  1. Lift what you can

Furniture on the ground floor can be raised on blocks, bricks, or on top of other furniture, which can help minimise damage.

What to do After a Flood 

  1. Report your claim

Check your insurance policy for the appropriate number to call to make a claim. If you’re a Park Home Assist customer, then call our dedicated claims team on 0344 856 3810. They are available 24 hours a day.

  1. Start the clear up

You may want to wear protective clothing to clear up after a flood, as flood water can often contain sewage. We have access to a wide range of specialists who can help with the drying out and clearing of your home as you try to return to normal as quickly as possible.

  1. Make your power safe

Gas and electricity, if they are off, must be checked by a qualified gas engineer or electrician before gas and electricity get switched back on. If electrical wires are in contact with water, switch off the supply if, and only if, it is safe to do so.

  1. Record the damage

Make a list, including the make and model number of any appliances, and take photographs of any damaged item before you dispose of anything. Do not throw anything away until we or our insurance loss adjuster has agreed to it.

  1. Patch up now

Carry out any emergency repairs that are possible and safe to do so in order to minimise any further damage. If you are unsure whether you are covered for the cost of these repairs, contact us to check.

We hope you never have to use these tips, but knowing what to do in a flood and having the right insurance can help you stay calm and safe during a very distressing time. Be assured that our award-winning claims team will deal with your claim as sensitively and swiftly as possible. 

Please note that all park home insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi award-winning providers of residential park home insurance.  If you would like to speak to an advisor regarding insurance for your park home, please contact our friendly team in our Northampton office on 01604 946 796.

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Published – 11/11/2022