What to do if you live in a flood-risk zone

Flooding is normally associated with inundation from sea, reservoir, river or canal, but it can also be caused by melting snow or intense rainstorms that drainage systems simply can't handle.

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance advises that property owners need to assess the risk that they could be affected by floodwater and take appropriate precautions.

Householders are advised to go through the following checklist:

Prevention: Prospective home-buyers considering buying a house in an area with which they are not familiar should check whether there has been a history of flooding in the area, or whether recent developments have made flooding more likely. Local authorities should be able to advise on specific areas that are liable to flood or on modifications to drainage routes.

Have the authorities taken precautions to prevent a recurrence of any previous incident?

Check that you understand any local authority flood warning system.

If such a system is in place make sure you have your own contingency plan.

If flooding is known to be a possibility, consider installing intervening walls or banks.

Keep in mind that timber floored houses are more liable to severe flood damage than concrete floored houses.

It might be worth considering the provision of flood boards and sills to doorway openings or gateway openings in walls.

Be prepared to block up unnecessary openings in the building and store sandbags for emergency use.

Check for any signs of site drains overflowing. If this has occurred, was it due to a blockage or were the drains inadequately sized?

Next time the flood could be more serious.

Periodically inspect and clean out all drains and gullies, and make sure that all interceptors and inspection panels are correctly sealed - both inside and outside the building

Check that basement areas are provided with adequate drainage.

Where necessary, sump pumps should be provided.

If precautions to prevent water damage have been carefully considered and appropriate measures taken, the risk will be greatly reduced but not eliminated.

The flood: In the event of a serious flood, personal and family safety is the number one priority; unnecessary risks should not be taken.

Keep a list (in a safe location) of the emergency telephone numbers you need to contact.

This may include the local fire brigade, the local authority, salvage firms and your insurance company helpline.

If the house is habitable after a flood, proceed with any emergency repair work, using a competent contractor, which may minimise damage. Make sure to get and keep receipts.

It makes sense to move as many personal possessions as possible to a safer location in the house.

Retain any damaged items as your insurance company may need to inspect them.

Disconnect electrical systems at ground floor level and call in an qualified electrical contractor when flooding subsides to check that the system is safe.

Clear any blocked drainage outlets to allow surface water drain away and install de-humidifiers to speed up the drying-out process.

Finally, get your boiler checked, turn on the heat and leave doors open for ventilation.