Essential Flooding Preparedness Tips for Parish Residents

Adam Gilmore
2 days ago
3 min read

Flooding can cause serious damage to homes and businesses, disrupt daily life, and create safety risks. Recent flooding events in our parish have highlighted the importance of being prepared and knowing what steps to take immediately after a flood. This guide offers clear, practical advice to help you protect yourself, your property, and your community during and after flooding.

Eye-level view of a flooded residential street with water covering the road and front gardens — A flooded street as dirty water gushes out of a manhole, partially covering a parked car's tires.

Check If It Is Safe to Return to Your Property

After flooding, your first priority should be safety. Contact emergency services or local authorities to confirm that it is safe to go back to your home or business. Floodwaters can hide hazards such as contaminated water, damaged structures, or electrical risks.

Do not enter your property until you receive official confirmation.
Avoid walking or driving through floodwater as it may be deeper or faster-moving than it appears.
Be cautious of slippery surfaces and debris.

Do Not Turn On Utilities Until They Are Checked

Flooding can damage electrical wiring, gas lines, and water systems. Turning on utilities too soon can cause fires, explosions, or contamination.

Do not switch on electricity, gas, or water supplies yourself.
Contact your utility companies or a qualified engineer to inspect and certify that your systems are safe.
Follow their instructions carefully before restoring any services.

Report Flooding as Soon as Possible

Reporting flooding helps emergency responders and local agencies prioritize recovery efforts and allocate resources effectively. It also provides important data to support future flood prevention measures.

Report flooding at the earliest opportunity through the official government website: www.gov.uk/report-flood-cause
Include details such as location, extent of flooding, and any immediate dangers.
Reporting helps capture the true costs of flooding, which can influence funding for repairs and improvements.

Find Out What Local Support Is Available

If flooding forces you to leave your home, your local council may provide temporary housing and other support services. They can also assist with welfare needs and financial help.

Contact Wiltshire Council through 0300 456 0100 or https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/contact to learn about available assistance.
Support may include emergency accommodation, food, clothing, and advice on recovery.
Keep records of any expenses related to the flood for possible reimbursement or grants.

Understand Your Insurance Options

Insurance plays a key role in recovering from flood damage, but it is important to act quickly and follow the right steps.

Contact your insurance provider immediately to start a claim.
Do not carry out repairs that could prevent your insurer from assessing the damage.
Review your policy carefully to understand what is covered.
Some insurers participate in Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme, offering up to £10,000 extra for flood-resistant repairs and adaptations. Learn more at www.floodre.co.uk/buildbackbetter
If you do not have insurance, contact your local council or charities like the National Flood Forum at 01299 403055 or visit www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk for advice on grants and support.
Renters should notify their landlord, who is responsible for repairs to the property.

Practical Tips for Flood Recovery

Recovering from flooding takes time and careful planning. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:

Document damage with photos and notes before cleaning or repairs.
Remove water and dry out your property as soon as it is safe.
Dispose of contaminated items such as carpets, mattresses, and food.
Clean and disinfect surfaces to reduce health risks.
Check for mold growth and seek professional help if needed.
Keep in touch with neighbors and community groups for support and information.

Preparing for Future Floods

Flooding can happen again, so it is wise to prepare your home and family:

Consider flood-resistant improvements like raised electrical sockets, flood barriers, or water-resistant materials.
Keep an emergency kit with essentials such as bottled water, food, medications, and important documents.
Stay informed about weather alerts and local flood warnings.
Develop a family evacuation plan and know your nearest safe locations.

Flooding is a challenging experience, but knowing what to do can reduce risks and speed up recovery. By following these steps, parish residents can protect themselves and their homes, and help the community rebuild stronger.