Preparing for Floods Amid Storms

Following widespread flooding that has impacted numerous communities across the country this autumn, experts are advising individuals to prepare for potential further incidents this winter. Heavy rainfall from Storm Bert led to inundations in areas such as Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire. Experts have emphasized various tips for future flood preparedness, detailing methods like using wellington boots to safeguard furniture and the utility of a deflated children’s football. These experts comprise flood resilience advocate Mary Long-Dhonau, also known as Flood Mary, alongside the Environment Agency (EA) and the National Flood Forum (NFF). Ms Long-Dhonau, who experienced two floods in Worcester within a single year, stated that the most challenging aspect of being flooded was the subsequent recovery period. She remarked, “Your average person is out of their home for nine months.” She further elaborated, “Your home is your sanctuary. You go there at the end of the day and you feel safe. When you have been flooded you feel completely violated.” Storm Conall followed closely after Storm Bert, which had also impacted Somerset and Wiltshire, as well as the Calder and Weaver valleys in northern England, resulting in flooding across the South and East. The EA, designated as the primary organization responsible for flood management and incident response in England, encouraged individuals facing risk to “take control and be ready.” Ms Long-Dhonau indicated that existing household items could be utilized for flood preparation, noting that accessible and inexpensive protective actions are available to individuals. For individuals lacking self-closing air bricks or covers, aluminium tape can be applied to air bricks in exterior walls to impede water ingress. She further advised that kitchen tables can be safeguarded by placing their legs into welly boots and buckets. Dry food items ought to be stored securely within plastic, lidded containers. Ms Long-Dhonau recommended that individuals gather sentimental belongings, such as family photographs – anything “that would break your heart to lose” – and store them in a box on an upper floor. Residents of bungalows have the option to seek a “flood buddy” for item storage or to position boxes atop wardrobes or within a loft space. She also mentioned that inserting a deflated children’s football into the toilet can prevent sewage from rising, stating that while “it’s not as good as a bung or non-return valve,” it offers a superior alternative to no protection. The NFF additionally advised homeowners to verify the sufficiency of their insurance coverage. The Environment Agency stated: “Getting ready before a flood saves you money on recovery and time spent out of the property.” The agency further indicated that advance flood planning is simple, swift, and cost-free, recommending that individuals create a “personal flood plan” to safeguard themselves and their essential belongings. Local resilience forums also provide assistance to individuals in their preparation efforts. Tracey Garrett, representing the NFF, explained that the Met Office issues weather warnings via its website, and individuals can register with the Environment Agency for warning and forecasting alerts. The EA additionally encouraged all property owners susceptible to river flooding to subscribe to its complimentary flood warning service, and advised those at risk of surface water flooding to register for Met Office weather alerts. Councils including Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, all situated near the River Severn, reported that they published updates on their respective websites during flood events, detailing actions individuals could take for planning. While individuals might consider acquiring sandbags for home flood protection, a practice common historically, authorities including the Environment Agency and local councils have stated they no longer possess a statutory obligation to supply them. Guidance regarding the use of sandbags was retracted in 2020, with the revised recommendation that individuals should instead install property flood resilience products. Ms Long-Dhonau also expressed reservations regarding their application. She stated, “I think it goes back to the war, building sandbags walls. They are a sort of a comfort blanket.” She further noted, “They are also heavy, environmentally unfriendly and have to be disposed of in contaminated waste.” The NFF advised that during a flood event, the initial priority for individuals should be ensuring the safety of themselves and their families. Individuals should be prepared for potential evacuations and have a grab bag prepared, containing items such as medication, identification documents, cash, bank cards, passports, and prescription details – “thing you would need if you can’t get back for some time”. Ms Long-Dhonau also recommended that individuals adhere to evacuation guidance if instructed to vacate their residences. She further commented that numerous floods are brief, making it feasible to remain in place, but stressed the importance of consistently following official advice. She advised monitoring local BBC radio stations, local television bulletins, and BBC Online, in conjunction with communications from emergency services. The Environment Agency operates a dedicated hotline for reporting flooding incidents. Its checklist outlining actions to undertake during an incident includes: The Environment Agency cautioned that post-flood water levels can fluctuate for several weeks. Safety recommendations include refraining from entering floodwater unless absolutely essential, as its depth can be deceptive and it may conceal hazards like uncovered manholes and sharp objects. The agency stated that individuals who do enter floodwater should proceed slowly and cautiously, and steer clear of rapidly moving currents. Individuals are advised to wash their hands frequently to eliminate harmful bacteria and chemicals present in floodwater, sewage, or submerged items. This should be done using warm, soapy water, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Regarding the management of flood damage, the NFF recommended that individuals contact their insurers, meticulously record details of conversations, take photographs, and consult with insurers prior to relocating any items. Individuals without insurance coverage may reach out to their local council for details regarding hardship grants and charitable assistance. For long-term considerations, Ms Long-Dhonau suggested that individuals who have filed insurance claims for flood damage contemplate integrating flood recovery and future protective measures into their repair plans. Such modifications encompass relocating plug sockets to higher positions on walls, installing flood doors, and utilizing plastic flooring. She noted that assistance is also accessible through Flood Re, a program established to offer affordable insurance for residences at flood risk. The Environment Agency further stated that Flood Re has the potential to decrease insurance expenses and provide homeowners with access to economical insurance premiums. The NFF recommended that individuals contemplating flood resilience measures for their homes obtain expert guidance from a qualified surveyor, given the potentially high cost of such work. Certain flood doors, for instance, can range in price from £5,000 to £10,000. An NFF spokesperson additionally urged all individuals affected by flooding to report incidents to their local authority, thereby increasing the likelihood of councils securing government funding to assist residents. The Environment Agency also advised individuals to prioritize their well-being following flood incidents. A spokesperson further emphasized the critical importance of discussing feelings with children and reassuring them of their safety. They added: “Mental health can be the last thing we think about after a flood when there are urgent matters that require our attention.” “Remember: flooding is stressful. It is normal to feel tired, anxious and have difficulty sleeping.” It is important to assess one’s own emotional state and to contact friends, family, or neighbours if experiencing stress or feeling overwhelmed. Individuals might also contemplate becoming a flood warden in the future. The spokesperson explained that flood wardens contribute to raising community awareness, notifying authorities of potential flood-causing blockages, reporting concerns to councils, and serving as a liaison between