Preventing flood damage

• Know how the flood warning system in your area works and how warnings are issued. Make sure members of your household know where to get the information from. The Environment Agency will provide you with alerts and constantly updated information.
• A bit of relatively simple DIY can improve the protection of your home. You can buy flood defence products that can be installed when there are flood warnings, including window and door flood guards, air brick covers. Free standing barriers can also be kept and erected in the event of flood warnings.
• Cover doors, windows and airbricks with plywood sheets.
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains, and unplug all electrical items.
• Move electrical and precious items upstairs or as high up as possible. Put your fridge on bricks.
• Keep important documents in plastic bags and in a safe dry place.
• Remember to take out comprehensive home and contents insurance and if you live in a flood-risk area to tell your insurance company.