Preparation is key when it comes to minimising the risk of flood damage and its costs. We’ve brought together essential resources to help prepare your home and family.
1.Find out if your home is at risk of flooding through the Environment Agency’s online service.
Check the risk where you live, but also where you work or regularly travel to. Even if your property is not at risk your workplace or the roads you use might be.
Sign up for free flood warnings online or by phoning Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Familiarise yourself with the different levels of flood warning:
Flood Alert – Flooding is possible. Be prepared.
Flood Warning – Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.
Severe Flood Warning – Severe flooding. Danger to life.Subscribe to weather warning emails from the Met Office.
Check your local authority’s social media for updates on the conditions near your home, workplace or the roads or rail networks you use.
Talk to neighbours – they may be a useful source of knowledge about past flood events.
If you’re planning to move or buy a house, check if it’s in a flood zone.
Read up on the different types of local flooding, including the very dangerous and unpredictable flash flooding.
Yorkshire Ready Together is an accessible, free, conversational tool that can help you find the information you need to be prepared for emergencies and resilient when they happen.
2.Prepare your home by following the Environment Agency’s handy checklist. It includes making sure you know how to turn off the electricity and gas to prevent a fire.
Involve all of the household with a downloadable child friendly flood plan.
If you own a business, follow this guidance to prepare it for flooding.
3.It isn’t possible to completely flood proof a house but you can make changes to your home to reduce how much flood water can get in and the damage it causes. The Environment Agency’s guide offers pointers on adapting your doors, pipes, flooring, walls and more.
Take some tips from Living With Water’s illustrated guide to protecting your property. Click the coloured areas on the image below for tips on protecting your property.
4.Is flood damage included in the buildings and contents insurance for your home or business?
If you’re having difficulties insuring your property for flooding, the National Flood Forum may be able to help.
The Flood Re scheme could help you buy affordable insurance if your home is flood-prone.
If you own a business, check The Flood Hub’s insurance advice.
Flood wardens play an invaluable role in communities at risk of flooding. They act as a link between residents, local government and the Environment Agency, providing local knowledge.
Becoming a flood warden is not only a chance to make a difference to your community, but also to make new friends, learn new skills and use old ones.
No qualifications required, just a willingness to get involved. Training and support are provided.
You can volunteer for an existing group in South Yorkshire or form a new group. Contact YorkshireFloodResilience@environment-agency.gov.uk to find out more.
Flood Warden Image – Credit: Environment Agency
Do you own land or property beside a river or watercourse?
If so you are a riparian owner. You’re responsible for maintaining the bed and banks of the watercourse, as well as the trees and shrubs growing on the banks. Find out more from the Environment Agency.
Rather than watering plants from the tap, make the most of rainwater by collecting it in water butts.
Help absorb water by allowing as much green space as possible in your garden.
Bin your wet wipes – flushing them blocks pipes and causes 46% of sewer blockages in Yorkshire.
Check Yorkshire Water for more tips on preventing blockages.