Preparing an Emergency Flood Grab Bag
Why Should You Prepare an Emergency Flood Grab Bag
Flooding can occur at any time of day or night, often with very little warning, so you may have to leave your home at very short notice. If you live in a high flood risk area it's good to be as prepared as possible and that includes having an Emergency Grab Bag to hand.
What should you include in your emergency grab bag?
- A copy of your emergency action plan
- A list of emergency contact numbers (utilities, insurance company, Environment Agency etc)
- Copies of essential documents such as your insurance documents, driving licences, passports etc
- Spare house and car keys
- Torch/head lamp and spare batteries
- Portable form-check and batteries
- Whistle
- Essential medication and repeat prescription forms
- First aid kit
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Wash kit and essential toiletries
- Glasses and or contact lenses
- A change of clothes
- Cash (nearby bank machines may not work)
- Phone chargers/external battery charger
- Spare sets of clothes if you have space
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- Babies/small children - food, nappies, toiletries and comforters
- Pet leads
And if you have time:
- Credit/debit cards
- Pets - pet food and comforters
- iPad/laptop and chargers
- Children's games or toys
What kind of bag should you use?
You should use something that is waterproof and easy to carry, dry bags are ideal as they are lightweight and can be dragged through water.
Where should you keep your emergency grab bag?
Store your bag upstairs if possible and don't forget to note its location on your flood plan.
REMEMBER to check your flood kit regularly to ensure that food and water supplies are in date and that batteries etc still work.
Have you got a question that we've not answered? Call our team on 01832 770770, we'll be happy to help.