Storm Warning in Effect – Prepare for Floods

Your initial reaction when you hear there’s a storm warning in the UK may be to panic – but with the right preparation you can rest assured your loved ones, home or property and belongings are well-guarded to weather the storm. We’ll delve into what steps you should take when a storm warning comes into effect.

What Does it Mean When a Storm Warning is Issued?

National weather services and governing bodies issue storm warnings to alert individuals about expected severe weather that may cause disruptions. During such warnings, it’s crucial to consider personal safety, protection of property, work arrangements, travel plans and potential power outages.

Storm warnings are typically colour coded based on their severity or potential impact and the likelihood of affecting the area.

Source: Met Office Weather Impact Matrix – https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/warnings

How to Check for Upcoming Storm Warnings

You can check the Met Office for up-to-date information and recently issued weather warnings.  You can also sign up to their email alerts, which will notify you if a storm is likely to impact your location.

You can also check for flood warning by country, utilising the following national resources:

England – Gov.uk Check For Flooding Service

Scotland – Scottish Environment Agency’s (SEPA) Floodline

Wales – Natural Resources Wales

Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland Direct

Are You Prepared for a Storm Warning?

Effective storm and flood preparation involves two key aspects: ensuring your property’s resilience and safeguarding your personal safety.

Personal Safety During a Storm or Flood

• Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with provisions, medications and essential supplies in case your property is compromised.
  
• Seek Refuge: If severe weather is expected to impact your property, consider seeking refuge at a safer location. Consider taking pets to a friend or family member who is unlikely to be impacted by the weather.
• Communication: Ensure you have the means to call family and emergency services should there be a power cut.
• Evacuation Plan: Establish an emergency evacuation plan and prepare alternative accommodation options in case your property becomes uninhabitable.

Property Resilience During a Storm or Flood

• Valuables: Raise items that could be affected by floodwater, especially high-value, sentimental or electrical items.
• Flood Mitigation: Use flood mitigation measures such as sandbags, flood barriers and sump pumps to prevent water from entering your property.
  
• Structural Integrity: Inspect and reinforce your home’s structure, including the roof and foundation. If your property is not structurally safe to take the impact of a storm, consider staying elsewhere.
• Frozen Pipes: In anticipation of a cold spell, insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing, expanding then bursting due to increased pressure.
• Electrical Safety: Where possible, prevent flood water from entering plug sockets and any appliances.
• Landscaping: Ensure your property has proper drainage, remove any fallen foliage and trim any trees or bushes that will not withstand severe winds.
• Waterproofing: Assess where your property is structurally vulnerable and may require sealing to avoid water ingress. Primary areas to consider are doors, windows, ceilings and any cracks in the foundation.
• Insurance: Consider taking out domestic or business flood insurance to ensure your property and its contents are protected in case of severe weather.

If you’re away from your property when a storm or flood is likely to hit the UK, be sure to read our blog, ‘How To Reduce The Risk Of Fire And Flood While You Are Away‘.

Be Flood Ready

We’ve curated a set of commonly asked questions and provided comprehensive answers in a convenient FAQ section on our essential resource, the Property Hub. Our campaign ‘Be Flood Ready‘ provides essential support and resources for domestic flood safety and preparedness.

What Steps Should You Take if Your Property is Flooded?

If you find standing water in your home, it’s important you turn off all running water, gas and electricity if it is safe to do so. If the flood is natural, try to avoid stepping in the water – it could be contaminated and leave you or your loved ones seriously ill if you come into contact with it.

The same is true if the water is running through your home. If you slip and fall you could injure yourself, preventing you from escaping the property or calling for help. Tread carefully and open any windows or external doors as you make your way through the house.

Once outside, call your insurance company. They’ll be best placed to recommend an emergency plumber and cleaning specialist who will be able to remove the water from your home and ensure it’s safe for you to re-enter.

After contacting your insurer, you’ll be able to begin repairing your home. Start by ventilating it, opening all the windows both upstairs and downstairs so that fresh air can come in.

Be sure to keep a record of all of the damaged goods in the property – not only will this help with your insurance claim, but it’ll also help determine the total cost of the flood.

Next, you need to prevent mould growth. If power has been restored to the property, you may want to consider renting or purchasing a dehumidifier and begin drying out your rooms.

You can speed this process up with the help of a professional flood restoration company. Take Rainbow, for example – we can dry out and disinfect all affected areas and help you restore furniture that has suffered water damage.

Those with a commercial property should check out our latest guidance on what to do in the event of an office or warehouse flood.

If You Need Us, We Are There

We provide an emergency flood repair call-out service to address the source of the flood and restore your home to its original condition. Our team uses the latest equipment and proven techniques to remove standing water and moisture, thoroughly drying the property before commencing a comprehensive cleaning and restoration.

Choosing Rainbow Restoration ensures that specialists with 30+ years of experience and a commitment to professionalism, accuracy and support will handle your flood damage repair, giving you peace of mind and the best possible outcome.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of dealing with the aftermath of a storm or flood and require immediate support, please contact us or call our 24 hour National Helpline on 01623 422488 today.