Preparing for flooding
Flooding is commonly associated with rising water and burst rivers, but often heavy downpours can cause flooding in our streets, homes and businesses.
Types of flooding
- Fluvial flooding (river flooding)
Occurs when a river/stream cannot cope with the amount of water or is blocked - Pluvial flooding (surface water flooding)
Occurs during heavy rainfall when the drainage/sewer system cannot cope - Sewer flooding
Occurs when a sewer pipe gets blocked or equipment fails - Reservoir flooding
Occurs when a dam fails or during extreme rainfall
Flooding can pose a serious hazard to lives and property. There are many simple precautions you can take to minimise the damage caused by flooding:
- check you have sufficient insurance cover for your home and vehicle
- protect your home with flood defences if necessary
- prepare a "grab bag" of essential items in case you need to leave in a hurry
- prepare an emergency plan and discuss it with your family
- stock up on food and bottled water in case you cannot get to the shops
