Scenes of people rendered desolate, cars floating down residential streets, sentimental possessions destroyed and firemen pumping water are sadly regular features on the news in recent years.

It is reported that 5 million people in England and Wales are currently at risk from flooding, with 2 million homes built in the floodplain of rivers and vulnerable parts of the coast.

• Ideally cover windows, doors and airbricks with sandbags, plywood or metal sheeting. It is now possible to buy "Kitemark certified" flood defence products for protecting your home
• Use silicone sealant on doors and windows; smear a layer around frames then shut and lock the door/window

Electricity, gas & water ...

• Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies at the mains. Make sure you know where these are in advance
• Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or in the loft
• Put plugs in all sinks but remember to weigh them down with something heavy

Furniture and appliances ...

• Move whatever you can upstairs, or raise items up on bricks or blocks, this may be helpful for large and heavy appliances such as fridges and freezers
• Move furniture away from walls, this aids with drying your property later
• Where possible, roll up rugs and carpets and put them upstairs
• To keep curtains above flood water, if you do not have time to remove, hang them over the rails
• Leave internal doors open or remove them and place them upstairs

Personal Items

• Get into the habit of storing any personal items upstairs, remember sentimental items cannot be replaced
• Keep important documents in a sealed bag, upstairs
• Make sure you have any medication you need to take close to hand

Pets

• Can you move them to a safer enviroment?
• Make sure transportation items are readily available i.e. cat basket
• Ensure you have adequate food supplies and water available

General

• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers close to hand or ensure they are added to your mobile. Make sure you have the Floodline number (see below) and the local number
• Can you move your car to a safe area?
• Move anything outside to a safer location i.e. dustbins, garden chemicals, shed contents
• Put together a "flood kit" include a torch, warm clothing, waterproof clothing, wellingtons, blankets, a portable radio, first aid kit, water and food supply and keep it in a safe location
• Discuss a potential flooding with family members, write a flood plan and keep it in the "flood kit"
• Check on elderly neighbours, they may not be aware and need assistance
• Make sure you have adequate insurance cover