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Q:How can I help prepare my home for a flood?
A:
- Agree in advance where members of your family and pets could go and how to stay in touch in case your property has to be evacuated.
- Consider moving your car to higher ground.
- Prepare a few sandbags or use plywood to block doorways and air-bricks to help prevent water getting inside. In an emergency make sandbags using old pillowcases or plastic carrier bags filled with sand or earth.
- Reduce the potential for damage by raising or moving as much furniture, electrical equipment and valuables (including photographs and sentimental items) as you can to higher areas of your home.
- Empty cupboards and other items of furniture that can't be moved and carry the contents upstairs.
- If there's time, roll up carpets and rugs and put them in a safe place.
- Take down curtains or lift them over rods to keep them above floodwater.
- Make a flood emergency kit - Things worth including are copies of key personal documents, a torch and portable radio with spare batteries, warm, protective clothing, blankets, rubber boots and gloves, cleaning equipment, disinfectant and detergent, heavy duty refuse bags, a first aid kit and, if appropriate, supplies of essential medication. Keep a stock of food, can opener and a fresh water supply handy.