What to do in the event of a flood?
23rd November 2009 – We are very conscious that many of our customers are suffering flood damage to their property as a result of the current bad weather. The following information sets out what you should do if you are affected by the current floods:
FBD is available 24/7 – 1890 953 953
Our claims notification helpline is open right through this weekend. Call us on 1890 953 953 if you have experienced flood damage and would like to speak with an advisor.
Protecting Your Family and Your Property
Focus on the safety of you and your family:
- Put people before property.
- Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding.
- Be prepared to act quickly to get yourself to safety.
If you are leaving your property :
- Alternative accommodation is available under your insurance cover.
- Consider your needs while out of the property and plan for this.
- Ensure you consider essentials such as medication, clothing, important personal items such as phones, wallets, handbags and items you will need day to day.
- Gather valuables together either upstairs or in a high place.
- Ensure your property and outbuildings are securely locked before you leave.
- Do not return if unsafe to do so. Listen to advice on returning to your property.
If driving:
- Cars, jeeps and vans can be immobilised by surprisingly shallow waters, don’t risk it.
- If blocked by water, seek high ground to park your vehicle. Remove all valuables and lock all doors.
- If you cannot take belongings with you, secure them in the locked boot.
- If you have driven through water, test your breaks gently to dry them.
- In relation to flooded roads, if in doubt stay out, your car is no braver or stronger than those already stranded.
- Drive slowly and anticipate floods around corners.
What can you do if you have time?
- If you have oil fired heating, turn off oil supply at your tank.
- Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.
- If feasible, protect your valuables by moving them upstairs also.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so.
- Charge your mobile phone now and check its charge regularly.
- If remaining in the property fill containers with clean water. Check your torches etc for batteries.
- Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape.
- If you own farm animals and can move them to high ground safely, do so.
- DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
- Keep listening to local radio for updates.
- Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.
Important, flood water is dangerous, it may contain sewage:
- Keep children and vulnerable people away from it, avoid walking or driving through it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.
For detailed information and advice on how to deal with the effects of flooding or how to prepare for expected flooding, we suggest please visit the OPW Flooding website at www.flooding.ie/en/Intheeventofaflood/
We also suggest that you keep an eye on weather forecasts for the coming days. Check out the Met Eireann website or the Rain Forecast Map on the TV3.ie weather service.