It is vital that you protect yourself and your property from flooding.  Finding out if your home is in a flood risk area, understanding what you can do to reduce the risk, and taking action in advance are the key steps in reducing the emotional and financial costs flooding can cause.

2008 has seen heavy downpours throughout the region and at the council has noticed an increase in the number of requests for sandbags across the district.

Sandbags are one of the most common methods of preventing flood water entering your property.  Empty sandbags can be obtained from the council free of charge on a 10 per household basis.

While the Environment Agency aims to provide advance warning, the person who can do most to help is you, and the following simple actions will help you to be prepared:

• Check you have adequate insurance for flood damage - some companies may restrict cover - and keep the emergency contact number somewhere safe.
   
• Make up a flood kit - include personal documents, medication and first aid kit in a waterproof container, torch, batteries, warm clothes and blankets.  If you have a mobile phone, ensure that the battery is charged.  Make sure everyone knows your flood kit is.
   
• Make a list of the vital items you will need for children.  For example, milk, baby food, sterilized bottles and spoons, nappies and wipes, nappy bags, spare clothing, comforter or favourite toy.
   
• Make a list of other useful numbers you may need - your local council, the emergency services, etc.
   
• Get into the habit of storing valuable or sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place, and make sure you have pet baskets for your pets.
   
• Buy some sandbags to block doorways and airbricks.  In an emergency, make sandbags using old pillowcases, carrier bags, or even tights filled with sand or earth.