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Emergency Planning

The Emergency Planning Unit

Prepare, Respond, Protect

Current Emergencies


There are currently no emergencies in Hampshire, however following the period of heavy rain earlier this week below is some advice on how to deal with flooding:

Before any flooding -

  1. Move valuables, food and other possessions upstairs where possible. If you live in a Bungalow, Caravan, Prefab or any other dwelling without access to a second storey and you find yourself in difficulty alert the Emergency Services so you can be evacuated. If you are able to self evacuate and stay with family or friends inform the Emergency Services so your location is known.

  2. Assume that flood water contains sewage so wash your hands thoroughly if you touch flood water.

  3. Have a supply of drinking water in clean bottles or similar containers as main water supplies may become contaminated through widespread flooding.

  4. Fill the bath and buckets with water for washing etc.

  5. Put people before property – help your family and neighbours first and check that neighbours know about any flood warnings issued.

  6. Put together a flood kit of essential items - copies of your home insurance documents, a torch with spare batteries, a wind-up or battery radio, a fully charged mobile phone, warm, waterproof clothing and blankets, a first aid kit and prescription medication, bottled water and non-perishable food and a list of important contact numbers.

  7. Protect doorways and low level vents with sandbags or alternatives such as plastic bags filled with soil or gravel (REMEMBER to unblock these vents before switching everything back on).

When flood water is about to enter your home -

  • Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so – but do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water!

  • Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers).

  • Put plugs in sinks and baths, and weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillow case or plastic bag filled with garden soil or a heavy object.

Sewers are not designed to dispel flood water. Baling flood water into the sewer system will engulf it and can cause foul water flooding.

If the public sewer begins to surcharge, call the water authorities (Southern Water, Thames Water, Wessex Water). Hampshire County Council is only responsible for drains specifically provided to drain the highway.

Be aware that manhole covers may have been displaced by flood water.

Be prepared to evacuate your home, and have a bag with essential items ready:

  • Copies of your home insurance documents

  • A torch with spare batteries

  • A wind-up or battery radio

  • A fully charged mobile phone

  • Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets

  • A first aid kit and prescription medication

  • Bottled water and non-perishable food for you and your pets

  • List of important contact numbers

Leave your home if the emergency services say so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk. Remember to lock up your property.

After flooding -

Only return to your property when it’s safe to do so.

Take care when returning to the property as there may be hidden hazards in the remaining flood water; and the water could have caused structural damage to the property.

When clearing up after the flood, always wear waterproof clothing including gloves and Wellington boots as the water may contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste.

If it’s dark, use a torch, not candles.

Throw away all foods, including canned goods, which have come into contact with flood water. Don’t eat garden or allotment vegetables if they have been covered by flood water.

If your house has been flooded and your electricity supply is not already switched off at the mains, get a qualified person to do this. Do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.

If your property has been damaged, inform your landlord or ring your buildings and contents insurance companies as soon as possible. In almost all cases the insurance company will send a los adjuster to look at your property and confirm what repairs and replacements are needed and covered by your policy.

Beware of bogus traders – check references and get recommendations for work.

Don’t panic if you can’t cope – the Citizens Advice Bureaux can provide assistance with insurance matters.

The advice to residents is to regularly check the TV news, teletext, local radio and newspapers for the latest information from the emergency services and your local authorities.

      

Details of all Flood Warnings and Flood Watch Warnings in place for Hampshire can be found by visiting the Environment Agency website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

For further information on flooding and how to protect your home visit: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/emergencyplanning/emergencyplanningwhatyoucando/cx-emergency_planning-flood_faq.htm

You can also get further advice and information by visiting www.hampshireprepared.co.uk.

For more details of how Hampshire County Council is working to address flooding visit the following link: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/communications/mediacentre/mediareleases.htm?newsid=283508