How to prepare for floods

• Make up a flood kit - including key personal documents, torch, battery or wind-up radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves, wellington boots, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and blankets. Don't forget necessary daily medications. And keep it upstairs if possible.
• Keep details of your insurance policy and the emergency contact numbers somewhere safe - preferably as part of your local flood kit.
• Make a list of other useful numbers you may need - your local Council, the Emergency Services and your Floodline quick dial number.
• Get into the habit of storing valuable or sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place.
• Have sandbags or wood ready to block doorways and airbricks. In an emergency, make sandbags using old pillowcases, carrier bags or even tights filled with sand or earth.
• Make sure you know where to turn off the gas, electricity and water. If you are not sure, ask the person who checks your meter when they next visit. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help you remember.
• Don't forget your pets - move animals living outside out of danger and keep cats and dogs with you in any emergency.
• Make sure you have adequate insurance. Flood damage is included in most buildings insurance policies but do check your home and contents are covered. Check whether the area has been flooded in the past - ask neighbours how they coped.

The District Council has produced leaflets to help during a flooding crisis. Call at any Council office to collect copies.