Hearing a flood siren can send you into a panic (even when it’s only a drill). But when it’s not a test, it’s crucial that you stay calm. The old idiom expressing the merits of the “Five Ps” springs to mind: perfect preparation prevents poor performance. Advice issued by the government outlines eight steps to take, to properly plan ahead if you think you are at risk from an oncoming flood.  Landlords this is as big an issue for you, as it is the general public, which is why the need for up to date flood insurance is required, to help you in the event of the flooding damaging your property.  However, there are a number of precautions and items that you can be prepared with to help increase the chances of reducing damage.

The first step is to check to see if you are at risk. This information is available from the Environment Agency’s (EA) website, where you can enter your post code for a rough idea of how at risk you are. Another option is to call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

The second step proposed is for you to sign up to the Environment Agency’s Flood Warnings Direct service. Information on how to subscribe to this is available on the EA’s website as well as on Floodline. Other good sources for flood warnings and local updates can be obtained through local media, as well as through local sirens and loud hailers which warn when a flood is imminent.

The third step to take, as advised by the government, is to check your home insurance cover. You need to make sure your policy provides adequate flooding insurance for your property and your possessions, but you also need to make sure you take adequate precautions to protect them yourself as well. If your property is at moderate or high risk of flooding, you might find it difficult to find cover, but it is imperative that you persevere and find a willing insurer.

The fourth step is to familiarise yourself with shut-down procedures for gas electricity and water. Ask your supplier if you need advice, and make a note of which taps or switches you need to turn off.

The fifth step involves the preparation of an emergency kit, which should contain all the essential items that you may need in the event of flooding. The kit should contain: copies of your home insurance documents; a reliable torch (preferably one you can mount on your head to leave your hands free for moving belongings) with plenty of spare batteries; a radio that does not depend on the mains electricity; warm waterproof clothing and blankets; a first aid kit including any prescribed medications required; plenty of bottled water and food that will not expire (such as tins or dried); any items needed to look after your young children.

The sixth step entails keeping in touch. It is advisable to have a contact outside the flood area that you and the rest of your family can all check in with.

The seventh step directs you to move your valuable items to safety before the flood hits. Electrical items and vulnerable furniture should be moved to higher floors where possible. Valuable and irreplaceable items should be stored in a safe place. Pets and cars are best left in the care of someone outside of the flood risk area.

The eighth step is to obtain and fit specialist flood protection products. These products are designed to stop or slow the rate at which water enters your property, they can help to reduce damage and aid in ultimate clean-up. Floodboards can be fixed to frames of doors and windows to keep out water (and are reusable), while airbrick covers can prevent water from entering through your walls. Sandbags can afford useful protection.

No flood protection can be guaranteed to be 100% effective, so do not depend on your protection alone. In addition to this, there is a point when flood waters immersing your home can cause more damage than if you were to let it in. Flood heights in excess of one metre can put pressure on the exterior structure of your house, which can be more costly to repair in the long run. If water is likely to rise above one metre, you should seek advice from your local Building Control Officer.

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Posted by admin on March 11th, 2011 :: Filed under Uncategorized

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It is always sensible whenever having a brand new floor fitted (whether it be laminate flooring, solid wood, or engineered wood flooring) to purchase a sufficient amount to cover the specified space with some extra parts left over.

Research the wood that you plan on buying and check to see what the best products and techniques are for when accidents happen on the wood flooring. If you don’t keep a stock of extra products, you may find it tough to replace a damaged piece later on. Even the biggest manufacturers won’t produce exactly the same products for ever, and in the amount of time when you bought your floor (which is likely to have been many years) they could have modified the colour of the finish or pattern. If you are unlucky enough for this to be the case, there are still actions you can take prior to hurrying directly out to purchase a new floor.

In case you don’t know the brand of your boards you will most likely need to check the underneath for the company stamp. If your floor boards don’t seem to be signed, you might want to take it along with you to a expert dealer who will be able to determine a decent match for you. Because almost all flooring is sold in boxed groups, you could have to buy approximately 20sq.ft of it (another good factor to keep spares!), but at least you’ll be well prepared if you need to make any further repairs in the future. This is a result of the fact that many traders sell their boards in boxed sets. In case the worst happens and you’re unable to get a match, you may be able to take into consideration sanding down and refinishing your entire floor. Before you decide to undertake this course, you must check with a professional, as sanding is only suitable for particular sorts of wood flooring like lacquered or oiled solid wood. As a result of re-oiling or re-lacquering, a mended area will blend beautifully together with the surrounding boards. Some examples of floors where sanding is not at all viable include engineered wood (which consists of layers), and laminate (which should certainly be clear).

People with spares ought to find far fewer issues that will prevent them performing repairs. You could possibly discover a small difference between the colour of the spares and laid flooring, especially if you have had your floor for a long time. If a floor is dye-stained it could lighten under sunlight over time, while, conversely, several finishes have a tendency to darken (along with the actual wood for people with American Cherry boards). If this is the case, it is recommended to carry out repairs regardless, and allow time take care of blending the colours. If you want to  achieve an invisible repair and avoid leaving your floor looking patchy, and you only have very little carpentry experience, then you ought to seek out assistance from somebody that does. DIY might sound like the most cost effective choice, but can ultimately end up being more expensive over time  and also the last thing you want  to happen is transform a minor flaw in to a gaping disaster!

As usual, prevention is preferable to cure, therefore the very best thing to do should always be mindful of your floor. Ensure that it always stays clean and address any spillages as soon as they take place. If you’re considering a new floor, you might wish to look at the huge selection of easy to fit alternatives to solid wood, or perhaps the simple to maintain oiled and lacquered ranges.

Laminate flooring has become the  most preferred choices in the present day market. This is a result of  a number of manufacturers developing the boards in a way that they simply click together with each other when layed. An additional point is the fact that laminate is incredibly tough and durable. These kinds of kits include almost everything you need to repair your floor, as well as the pigment you may require to conceal it. Lacquered wood floors may, along with the sanding approach outlined previously, be repaired with the application of wood-coloured putty in the event of small defects.

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Posted by admin on March 11th, 2011 :: Filed under Uncategorized

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