HomeHousehold flood plan
The person who can do most to help protect your property is you.Preparation is important; don't wait for flooding to start before you act to protect yourself, your property and possessions.
We recommend that you prepare a household flood plan to reduce the impact of flooding on your home and draw up the following checklist:
- Keep a list of useful numbers handy, for example, for the emergency services and your insurance company. Don't just keep them in your mobile as it may get lost or wet. We have drawn up an emergency contacts list template which you can fill in with your contact numbers. Download the household emergency contacts template (PDF - Belfast Flooding Information card -26 KB)
- Keep a few sandbags or floodboards to block doorways and airbricks.
- Make up a flood kit, including:
- a torch
- foil 'space' blankets
- waterproof clothing
- waterproof boots
- a battery powered portable radio
- rubber gloves, and
- key personal and business documents. (This includes house insurance details and copies of essential medication prescriptions). Keep the kit upstairs, if possible.
- Talk about possible flooding with your family, or anyone who lives with you.
You and your family should agree how you will contact each other and where you will go, in case you become separated during a flood. Make sure you keep a list of important contact numbers with you at all times. - Make sure you know where to turn off your gas supply.
If you have any doubts about how to turn off your gas contact your supplier. - Make a list or diagram of all the drains inside your home, including outlets for sinks, baths, washhand basins, washing machines or dishwashers.
- Make a list or diagram of the manhole covers or inspection chambers in your garden and driveway.
- Make a list or diagram of all the gullies and open drains in your garden or driveway.
- Think about what belongings you can move now and what you would want to move during a flood.
Make sure you move treasured family possessions to safety before a flood. It’s also important to think about what other things you would like to move to safety during a flood such as: pets, cars, furniture and electrical equipment, garden furniture and pot plants. - Make a list of all the above items and keep it with your flood kit.
