Outside your home

The outside of your home and garden are vulnerable to flood water. Take advantage of any warnings and act immediately by planning what is necessary to reduce loss and damage to your outside possessions.
Remember to: 

• Put flood boards and covers in place. If necessary use sandbags, plywood, plastic or metal sheeting to cover vents, doors, lower windows and cover air-bricks to reduce the amount of water that gets in.
• Once the flood has passed, remove all coverings to allow air to circulate, allowing the drying out process to begin. 
• Move property such as garden furniture and dustbins to a safer location. 
• Move your car out of danger. 
• Move any household or garden chemicals that can contaminate the flood water. Make sure you have stored these in the upper part of your shed or garage 
• Flow valves for propane gas or oil storage tanks should be shut off.
• Remember to secure a safe place for any garden based pets. Move them as soon as possible to alternative dry locations. 
• If you have to leave your property, always lock and secure it as best you can as security features may have been put out of action by the flood.
• Take easily moveable items with you where possible.
• A basic plan of action can reduce any last minute plans going wrong.

For more information: Environment Agency floodline