What to do if a flood happens

Calling 0300 2000 100 is the new way to report a flood. This single telephone number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don't have to decide which organisation you need to ring and you don't have to contact the Rivers Agency, Roads Service or NI Water - this will be done for you. When you ring, a member of staff will take all your details and contact the appropriate agency on your behalf. This is a non emergency number so if you are in danger call the emergency services on 999.

Flood warning - what to do

If flooding is forecast in your area, it means that you can expect flooding of low lying land and roads. You should·check local news and weather forecasts and water levels near you and·be prepared to put into action any plans you have made to deal with flooding in your area including:

  • moving cars, pets, food, valuables and important documents to safety
  • put flood protection equipment in place
  • turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so
  • be prepared to evacuate your home

Try to stop any water from entering your home by:

  • using sandbags and floodboards to prevent water entering through doors and windows
  • sealing airbricks with plastic covers or cloths/towels
  • putting plugs in sinks and baths and weighing them down with a sandbag, pillowcase or a plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object

If you don’t have valves fitted which allow flow of water in one direction (non-return valves) you should:

  • plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths
  • disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers)
  • collect the things you need for evacuation
  • stay in a high place with a means of escape
  • avoid electricity sources
  • avoid walking or driving through flood water
  • call 999 immediately if you are in danger

Evacuation

If you are told to evacuate your home by the emergency services you should do so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.

When flooding has abated you should:

  • keep listening to weather reports and only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe to do so
  • beware of sharp objects and pollution in flood water
  • contact your insurance company and ask their advice before starting to clean up if your property or belongings are damaged

A leaflet giving flood advice is available from the Rivers Agency  or by clicking on the attached link:

Health precautions in relation to flooding

Flooding can contain pollutants which can adversely affect the health and well being of a person coming into contact with them. Combat this by applying basic hygiene precautions, including:

  • washing hands after exposure
  • decontaminating footwear by washing and treating with a mild disinfectant
  • keeping children and pets out of the contaminated area

Where sewage is clearly visible in flood waters, or in material deposited by flood waters, decontamination should involve:

  • removing excess liquid (pumping/sweeping, as appropriate)
  • a thorough clean up to remove any debris or fecal contamination
  • leaving the contaminated areas to dry
  • applying a mild disinfectant

Industry tests have shown that using this approach, disinfectants should remove all traces of bacteria within 24 to 48 hours.

Electricity

If any electrical wiring has come into contact with flood water, a qualified electrician will need to check the safety of the system, and the safety of appliances. Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) can be contacted to provide advice to customers on 08457 643643. This is a 24 hour service.

Insurance

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They may offer advice regarding replacement or cleansing of damaged items.

External flooding

When dealing with flooding to gardens, paved areas and other external areas remember the following points:

  • you can clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as patios and driveways - keeping off these areas for three hours after disinfection
  • it is not normal practice to apply disinfectant to cultivated areas as this can kill plants, however if you decide to do so, then only a very mild disinfectant should be applied
  • do not hose down the garden as this will saturate the ground and prolong the life of the bacteria
  • do not dig over or rake the affected area as this will spread contamination further into the soil where lack of light will prolong the life of bacteria
  • it is best to let nature take its course as tests have shown that ultra violet radiation in sunlight is very effective in killing bacteria

Compensation Claims

The Department for Regional Development's(DRD) Central Claims Unit deals with compensation claims made against Roads Service. Please see the compensation page page for further details:

However, it should be noted that since 1 April 2007, water and sewerage functions became the responsibility of Northern Ireland Water Ltd. This body is no longer part of DRD and therefore Central Claims Unit cannot deal with any compensation claims arising from flooding or any other actions or operations carried or or behalf of NI Water Ltd.You should contact them on 0845 744 0088 to have a claim form issued.

Additional information

You can find out more about who to contact for help that may be available for dealing with the effects of flooding by clicking on the link below:

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