How to minimise flood damage

Floodwater is dangerous; six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet; two feet can sweep away a car.

Two million homes are in danger of flooding from rivers or the sea in the UK. Finding out whether your home is at risk and then taking action to prepare in advance are key to being able to cope with floods.

First thing to minimise the risk to your finances is to make sure you are properly insured. Flood damage is covered in most buildings policies but makes sure your home and contents are covered.

- Get an online home insurance quote

Prepare a flood kit

Include key personal documents - like your insurance policy, any helpline or emergency contact numbers, torch, wind-up or battery radio, rubber gloves, Wellingtons, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and blankets.

If you have a baby or small children make sure you have all the essentials you need for them - nappies, sterilised bottles, milk, a toy. Also make sure that anyone who needs any medication with them.

How to reduce the damage to your home and belongings

• Turn off all gas, water and electricity supplies at the mains.
• Unplug all electrical appliances and move upstairs or high up
• Cookers, washing machines dishwashers connected by rigid pipes should all be disconnected. This will help prevent damage to pipes if they more or float during the flood.
• Do not reconnect gas, electricity or water supplies after the flood until they have been checked by an accredited engineer and make sure appliances are all checked too.

Keeping the water out

• Use sandbags, plywood or metal sheeting placed on doors, windows and airbricks. Even if not a complete seal it will still help reduce volumes of water.

• Floodwater can enter through drains, toilets and other outlets such as washing machines. Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with sandbags. Place a sandbag in the toilet bowl and block the washing machine drain with a tea towel or similar to prevent backflow.

• If you have any silcone sealant to hand use this to help seal doors and window.

Furniture and household appliances

• Carry as much furniture as possible upstairs and roll up any carpets and rugs that you can.