Flood Management

Here’s some advice for tenants about flood risk, the steps you can take and how we can help.

Tips and advice for flooding risk and management

Prepare a flood kit of essential items and keep it handy

  • Copies of your home contents insurance documents.
  • A torch with spare batteries.
  • A wind-up or battery radio.
  • Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
  • A first aid kit and prescription medication.
  • Bottled water and non-perishable foods.
  • Baby food and baby care items.

Flooding is possible.

Be prepared.

What to do

  • Be prepared to act on your flood plan.
  • Prepare a flood kit of essential items.
  • Monitor local water levels on our website.

 

Flooding is expected.

Immediate action required

What to do

  • Protect yourself, your family and help others.
  • Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.
  • Keep a flood kit ready.
  • Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so.
  • Put flood protection equipment in place.

 

Severe flooding.

Danger to life.

What to do

  • Stay in a safe place with a means of escape.
  • Be ready should you need to evacuate from your home.
  • Co-operate with the emergency services.
  • Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Stay safe, always listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so.

Recovering from a Flood

There are a number of things to be aware of when clearing up after a flood

  • Take care there may be hidden dangers in the flood water like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution.
  • Flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste.
    • Always wear: waterproof outerwear, including gloves.
    • suitable waterproof footwear/boots.
    • face mask
  • You can clean and disinfect your property using ordinary household products.
  • A garden hose is useful for washing down. Do not use high-pressure hoses as they blast contaminated matter into the air.
  • If you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows.
  • If your electricity supply is not already switched off at the mains, Bernicia will do this. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
  • If you have gas or oil central heating and it has been checked by an engineer, turn it on. Keep the thermostat between 20-22 degrees centigrade for steady drying.

 

What we will do if you need to move out because your home has Flooded?

 

Your dedicated housing officer will contact you to discuss the flooding of your home and the many ways in which we can help.

  • We will discuss with you if it safe for you to return to home or whether will you need alternative temporary accommodation while repairs are carried out.
  • If you require alternative accommodation, we will provide this for you. We will keep in touch with you about what repairs are needed to your home and how long these will take to carry out.
  • We will support with removal of damaged items and dispose of with yours and your insurance say so.
  • We will organise the packing, removal, and transport of your belongings and put them into a storage facility or into you temporary home.
  • We will support if required to change address for your post
  • We will support if required with changing billing address utilities, internet connection etc
  • We will liaise with any support agencies you are working you and signpost you to services who can help.
  • We will disconnect and reconnect white goods.
  • Your temporary accommodation will be fully carpeted for your health, safety and comfort and window coverings to offer privacy.

Home, Building and Contents Insurance – Hints & Tips

Check your insurance cover

  • Check your contents insurance policy.
  • Confirm you are covered for flooding.
  • Find out if the policy replaces new for old.
  • Don’t underestimate the value of your contents.
  • In the event of a flood contact Bernicia and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
  • If you do not have insurance, Bernicia can support you to access hardship grants or charities that may be able to help you with repair or replacement of damaged items.
  • Bernicia will provide skips and extra rubbish collections, at no cost to you, for items that your insurance company has agreed you can throw away.