Event of a Flood
If a flood threatens your area there are a number of steps you can take to minimise damage to your property, but remember safety should always be your first concern.
General Safety
- Don’t try to walk or drive through floodwater.
- Avoid contact with floodwater if possible as it may be contaminated or polluted.
- Take care when walking through shallow water – manhole covers may have come off and there may be other underwater hazards that you cannot see.
- Never try to swim through fast-flowing water – you may get swept away or struck by an object in the water.
- Always wear suitable clothing when working in or near floodwater.
- Always cooperate with emergency services, and local authorities.
Outside Your House
- Move your car to high ground if possible.
- Move any items kept outside, such as garden furniture, to higher ground. Remember that floodwater could get into your garage so move any chemicals or fuel to ensure that they do not spill into the floodwater and cause damage.
- Unplug any exterior electrical connections such as outdoor lighting, pond pumps and filters.
Inside Your House
- Move valuables and other items to safety. Place them above the flood level or upstairs.
- Empty the contents of furniture that cannot be moved and put them upstairs.
- Remove curtains if there is time – if not tie them over the curtain rail.
- Put sandbags at any openings where the water could gain access.
- Turn off gas and electricity.
- Disconnect cookers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. connected by ridged pipes to prevent damaging the machine and the pipes.
- Store any electrical items upstairs or above flood level.
- Have medication to hand (if needed).
Looking After Livestock and Pets
If you have a farm, you will need to think about your livestock in the event of a flood. If you have pets at home, you will also need to consider their safety.
Livestock
- Create a list of emergency telephone numbers, including those of your employees, neighbours, veterinarian, state veterinarian, poison control centre, local animal shelter, animal care and control, local Teagasc office and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
- Make sure every animal has durable and visible identification.
- Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch, as well as to food and clean water.
- Remove barbed wire and consider rerouting permanent fencing so animals can move to high ground in a flood.
- Make sure you have containers large enough to water your animals for a week.
- Identify alternative water and power sources. A generator with a safely stored supply of fuel may be essential, especially if you have electrical equipment necessary to the well-being of your animals.
- Secure or remove anything that could float and move about.
- Identify routes by which livestock can escape to higher ground and away from floodwaters. In the event of a flood, open farm gates so that livestock can make their way to higher ground.
- If water is rising, try to drive stock through water free of obstructions. Grazing animals swim well, but the greatest problem for them are fences and other obstacles.
Pets
- Do you have a plan for your family pet in case of a flood? Having supplies and a plan before a flood will give you peace of mind, save precious time and may even save your pet’s life.
- Make sure that your pet has a durable name tag with your name and phone number on it.
- If floodwater enters your property place pets upstairs or in cages above water level.
- Is there someone who could look after your pet for the duration of the flood, if you have to evacuate?
- In the event that you need to evacuate your house you will need supplies for your pet, such as:
- a sturdy crate and/or carrier/cage.
- a pet first aid kit.
- a leash and harness or collar.
- non-spill bowls.
- for cats, a litter box and litter.
- food and water.