While severe flood warnings remain in place, and recent news breaking on three tragic deaths in the past 24 hours, Bushcraft UK took a look at flood saftey. 

Sandbags and boards can help reduce floodwater entering your home, so contact your local council and ask for sandbags to be delivered.  If in an emergency sandbags are not available, you can fill old clothes with sand or earth, and sack them tightly together.

Shutting towels in doors can also make a useful temporary flood defence. 

The Environment Agency offers the following advice on what to do when you hear a flood warning:

• Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety.
• Alert your neighbours, particularly the elderly.
• Put sandbags or flood boards in place - but make sure your property is ventilated. Plug sinks/baths and put a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow.
• Be ready to turn off gas and electricity (get help if needed). Unplug electrical items and move them upstairs if possible.
• Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities - you may be evacuated to a rest centre.
• Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.

Stay Safe in a Flood

• Floods can kill. Don't try to walk or drive through floodwater - six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car. Manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards you can’t see.
• Never try to swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or be struck by an object in the water.
• Don't walk on sea defences, riverbanks or cross river bridges if possible - they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves. Beware of stones and pebbles being thrown up by waves.
• Avoid contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated with sewage.

For more information, see http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Article: John Burton

Photo: Pieria

©Bushcraft Media Ltd. 2007 

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