Flood Advice

The Construction Centre

Flood Advice

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Welcome to The Construction Centre Flood Advice Section

The Flood Advice section has been produced by Richard Simmons Bsc Building, (former) ARICS, and Tim Ovens a Technical Researcher. It has been created to help the thousands of victims who suffered as a result of the flash flooding during 2007 and to advise people who are worried about ongoing flood risks.

Richard Simmons has been a Surveyor, builder and developer for 25 years and has dealt with several flood restorations. He is managing director of the website www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk which is recognised as the leading UK Website for construction products, people and information.

Tim Ovens researched comprehensively the published advice on Flooding in the UK from books, leaflets and the internet to draw together this simple but comprehensive Flood resource that would benefit the UK population when in need.

If you are a current flood victim or worried about being flooded visit these two links below initially for invaluable practical non-commercial information:

For up to date information call Floodline on 0845 988 1188

Find Suppliers Of Flood Relief Equipment Find Loss Adjusters

Main Items

Supplementary Issues

How to minimise damage

Water can enter a house above or below ground through doors and windows, through airbricks, or blocked drains. If there are severe weather warnings in your area, the first thing you can do to control potential water damage is to ensure you are prepared and take the following preventative measures:

  • Placing sandbags against entry points to your home or garden perimeters can reduce the amount of water which enters your property.
  • Install removable barriers for windows and doors if you are likely to experience potentially high water levels
  • Fit temporary airbrick and vent covers, these will protect your home at ground level

Who to call and what to do

  • In the event of your home being flooded, the first thing you must do is make sure that you and your family are safe and kept away from the floodwater
  • Keep up to date with weather warnings and evacuation alerts by calling the Floodline on 0845 988 1188
  • Turn off all gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains
  • Do not attempt to walk or drive through any depth of water
  • Wait for the emergency services before you attempt to leave your home

After the flood

Following a flood you should call your insurance company as soon as possible if you need to make a claim, to find out exactly what is covered by your policy.

Only when you can be sure the severe weather has lifted and there is no further risk of flooding should you begin to repair your home. It is not advisable that you undertake any kind of restoration work on your home as this may affect your insurance claim and there may be unseen damage you are not aware of. It is recommended that you contact a specialist company to assess and repair your home as they will provide clean up teams to initiate the restoration of your home.

In the initial clean up phase industrial dehumidifiers, heaters, high pressure jetting, and specialist cleaning products and services will be used. Once your home has been declared dry, you will then be able to engage the relevant tradesmen and contractors to repair or replace areas where damage has occurred.

It is also advised that you consider protecting your home from flooding in the future by installing devices such as raft flooring, flood proof doors, anti-flood windows and sealants.

Click on the links below to find companies who supply: