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Following the recent wet weather, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are providing advice for households and businesses that may be at risk from floods. Floods can damage homes, destroy personal possessions and cause many accidents. East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service suggest the following simple guidelines to help keep yourself and your home as safe as possible.
Before a flood:
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Do check the local flood warnings for your area by calling the National Environmental Agency Flood line telephone number: 0845 988 1188.
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Do organise some sandbags to block doors and airbricks but remember to ensure that there is adequate ventilation in your home.
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Do find out whether your area has flooded before and if there is any specific flood advice for your area.
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Do find out where to turn off your electricity and gas supplies in advance.
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Don't underestimate the damage that a flood can do, check with your insurance company that you have flood cover.
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Floods can happen quickly so don?t wait until it is too late to think about preparation.
When a flood starts:
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Do put your safety first, stay alert, events can change very quickly during a flood; listen out for any warnings on the radio and the TV.
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Do move people or pets upstairs or to higher ground, identify a place where you and your family can keep away from the floodwater.
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Don't under any circumstances drive or walk through floodwater.
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Don't touch anything that has been in contact with the floodwater, it could be contaminated and contain sewage, therefore make sure that anything that has been in contact with the water is safely cleaned.
After the flood:
Do get in contact with your insurance company and let them know what has happened.
Do open your doors and windows to ventilate your home.
For further information about flood safety contact East Sussex Fire & Rescue on 0800 1777069.
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