Start preparing today before a flood happens.
Use this checklist as your flood plan.
1. Check your insurance cover
• Check your buildings and contents insurance policy.
• Confirm you are covered for flooding.
• Find out if the policy replaces new for old, and if it has a limit on repairs.
• Don’t underestimate the value of your contents.
2. Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
• Ask your supplier how to do this.
• Mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember.
3. Prepare a flood kit of essential items
A flood kid should contain or utilise the following:
• Copies of your home insurance documents.
• A torch with spare batteries.
• A wind-up or battery radio.
• Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
• A first aid kit and any prescription medication you need.
• Bottled water and nonperishable foods.
• Baby food and baby care items.
• List of important contact numbers.
• Keep your flood kit handy.
4. Know who to contact and how
• Agree where you will go and how to contact each other.
• Check with your council if pets are allowed at evacuation centres.
• Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.
5. Think about what you can move now
• Don’t wait for a flood. Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.
6. Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood
• Outdoor pets
• Cars
• Furniture
• Electrical equipment
• Garden pot plants and furniture
• What else?