When it is clear home is about to be flooded power supply should be disconnected
Fast tip guide for homeowners affected by flooding
Tuesday 8th December 2015: As the clean up from Storm Desmond continues and homeowners at risk of flooding brace themselves for further damage the Society of Chartered Surveyors has advised homeowners at risk to draw up a detailed flood plan in advance.
The Society, which has an advice guide on flooding on its website, said this is a very stressful time for homeowners and business people in many parts of the country, especially those areas prone to flooding in the south and west. Some local authorities are predicting the flood risk will persist for the next week.
Kevin Hollingsworth from the SCSI said the safety of all the occupants is the first priority and that if people have a plan drawn up they may avoid taking unnecessary risks if their property becomes flooded.
“As we have seen in recent days flooding can cause significant damage and stress for homeowners so we would urge people in flood hit areas to consult our guide and draw up a plan. When flooding occurs it is very important to turn off the electricity and gas supply and to unplug any electrical items which may be covered in water, provided it is safe to do so.”
“It is also important that homeowners who have been affected by flooding should remove the damaged items but should not dispose of them until the loss adjuster has inspected them, where there is cover in place” Hollingsworth said.
‘A Clear Guide to Flooding’ gives information on how flooding affects the value and insurability of property, explains what’s involved in drawing up a flood plan, constructing flood defences and reinstating a property which has been flooded. The guide also provides a list of useful links including the OPW’s dedicated website on flooding. It is available for free from the SCSI website www.scsi.ie.
The SCSI, which is the professional body for construction and property professionals, estimates that between 40 and 50,000 properties are currently at risk of flooding in Ireland.
A fast tip guide for anyone currently experiencing flooding is included below in the Note to the Editor