•  Make a flood plan for your family or business so that everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a flood

•  Make up a flood kit and ensure everyone knows where to find it

• Check if you have flood insurance and consider if there are any physical improvements to your property that you could make to reduce the likelihood of flood damage

Be Prepared

A typical flood plan for your home should include:

• Emergency numbers – have a print-out and store electronically on your phone
• List of most valuable possessions – know where they are so you can move them quickly to safety
• Store valuable documents in a watertight container – passports, birth certificates, insurance policy, etc.
•  Gas and electricity – know where the shut off points are
•  Have a prearranged place that you can safely move your car to if you have time
•  Have medication to hand (if needed)

A  flood kit  should include a torch, some warm and waterproof clothes, a battery or wind-up radio, a mobile phone, rubber gloves, rubber boots, a first aid kit, blankets and children’s essentials, if required.

Practice your flood plan. Ensure that everyone knows what has to be done and what is safe to do.

A Flood Event

You should check local news and weather forecasts and heed all weather warnings issued. Be prepared to put into action any plans you have made to deal with flooding in your area including:

Inside and Outside

• Turn off gas and electricity
• Move valuables and other items to safety above the flood level or upstairs if possible
• Disconnect washing machines and dishwashers
• Put sandbags (or other suitable flood resistant barriers) at any openings where the water could enter your house
• Move vehicles to high ground if possible
• Remember, floodwater could get into your garage – keep any chemicals or fuel in watertight containers and if possible move to above flood level to ensure that they do not spill into the flood wa- ter and cause an additional hazard
• Close off the flow valves on propane tanks, oil drums, or other fuel containers that supply your home through pipes and fittings
• Unplug any exterior electrical connections such as outdoor light- ing, pond pumps and filters, if safe to do so
• Move livestock and pets to a safe location
• Note the location of any manholes or service chambers and keep clear of these during a flood, as their covers may be dislodged

Evacuation

Despite all precautions, it may still be necessary to evacuate your home or business.

ALWAYS cooperate with instructions from emergency services and local authorities.

 After a Flood

• Always be careful when re-entering your property after a flood as there may be structural damage or contamination as a result of floodwater.
• The Health Service Executive provides health advice for flood events at www.hse.ie.
• Have any electric, gas or fuel-based service checked by a profes- sional before re-entry following a flood.
• Record any damage caused (photo and video) and check with your insurance company as to what may be covered by your policy.
• See www.flooding.ie for further advice.