Getting sandbags
Buying sandbags might help. As a council, we don’t supply sandbags but you can buy unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand from most DIY stores and builders merchants. There is additional advice available on protecting your home.
Prepare your property for a flood
To prepare your property and furniture when a flood has been forecast, you can:
- Roll up carpets and rugs and move them upstairs or as high as possible.
- Empty furniture drawers and low cupboards.
- Take furniture, valuable items and important documents upstairs, if possible.
- Weigh down furniture which is too heavy to move to stop it from floating away and damaging walls and windows.
- Fasten plastic bags around the legs of wooden furniture to help minimise absorption of water.
- Take down curtains or wrap them round the curtain pole.
- Use waterproof tape on cracks around external doors and gaps in bricks, but ensure your property is still ventilated.
- Contact your insurers. They’ll advise you of any actions you need to take to keep your insurance valid.
- Take photos of your property and contents now, before any flood occurs.
Preparing your gas and electric when a flood has been forecast
To prepare your gas and electric when a flood has been forecast, you can:
- Unplug electrical equipment and move computers and other electrical equipment upstairs or as high as possible.
- Turn off mains gas and electricity.
Preparing your drains and water supply when a flood has been forecast
To prepare your drains and water supply for a flood, you can:
- Clear house gullies and drains of debris and leaves to help floodwater drain away.
- Put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with something heavy.
- Turn off water if you’re advised to do so by the authorities.
Useful advice and information
The Flood Hub provides support and advice to people and communities to help manage and minimise the risk of flooding to properties and businesses.