Simple steps checklist
You can take some simple steps to protect your home and this checklist will help you make sure you have covered the basics. This information is provided by the Environment Agency.Gas, electricity and water
Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy.
Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains. Find out where these are well in advance of any flood.
Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or as high up as possible.
Reduce flood water getting into your home
Silicone sealant - open doors and windows, smear a layer of this around the frame, then shut and lock the door/window.
Ideally, cover doors, windows and air bricks with plywood, sandbags or metal sheeting.
Furniture and appliances
Move as much furniture and electrical items as you can upstairs. Alternatively raise them up on bricks or blocks - this may be very helpful for large appliances such as fridge/freezers.
Move furniture away from walls, as this helps when drying your property later.
If you can, roll up carpets and rugs and put them upstairs.
If there is no time to remove curtains, hang them up over the rail so they are kept above flood water.
Leave internal doors open, or ideally, remove them and store them upstairs.
Personal items
You cannot replace sentimental items. Think about permanently moving these up-stairs, so you do not forget to move them in the case of a flood.
Keep important personal documents in a sealed bag, and in a location safe from floodwater.
Outside the house
Move anything not fixed down into a safer location, e.g. dustbins, garden chemicals car oil and similar.
Move your car to higher ground to avoid damage.
Weigh down manhole covers outside the house to prevent them floating away and leaving a hazardous hole.
You can get guides and further information from the Environment Agency.