Public Flood Guidance

The OPW website www.flooding.ie provides advice for individual property owners on actions to take:

• Before a flood: including advice on resilient building construction, creating a family flood plan and advice for business owners.
• During a flood: including safety advice, actions to take both outside and inside your property, advice regarding animals.
• After a flood: including advice on cleaning, drying and repairs, and records to keep after a flood.

The Office of Emergency Planning runs an annual Be Winter Ready campaign which provides practical advice for coping during severe weather events. Information is available at www.winterready.ie and updates will be provided on Twitter @emergencyIE during severe weather events.

Some practical advice is shared in the following sections for property owners. 

Minor Flooding: Risk of flooding to areas close to rivers/waterbodies

What to do?

• Tune into local radio stations for flood / weather update
• Check Cork County Council social media platforms for updates and announcements 
• Be alert to the water levels near you (information may be available on www.waterlevel.ie) 
• Be ready to act on your flood plan, if the flood alert is raised to an Orange or Red alert (see guidance in FAQ section on how to create a flood plan)
• Check the safety of elderly/vulnerable people in flood zone.
• Avoid open riverbank areas.

Serious Flooding: Risk of flooding in streets. Risk of flooding of low lying property. Action required!

What to do?

• Tune into local radio stations for flood / weather updates.
• Check Cork County Council social media platforms for updates and announcements.
• Move valuables, cars, documentation, pets and other items to safety.
• Put flood protection equipment in place.
• Turn off electricity/ gas/ water if applicable & safe to do so.
• Evacuation of property may be required.
• Protect yourself, family & assist others.
• Check the safety of elderly in flood zone.
• Act on your flood plan. 
• Charge your mobile phone and other devices, if safe to do so.  

Severe / Extreme Flooding: Severe flood event expected. Extensive areas of town at flood risk. Risk to property & life. Act Now!

What to do?

• Evacuation of property may be required. Prepare for evacuation, assemble essential items e.g. medication, clothing, etc.
• Tune into local radio stations for flood / weather updates.
• Check Cork County Council social media platforms for updates and announcements.
• Act on your flood plan. 
• Move valuables, cars, documentation, pets and other items to safety.
• Put flood protection equipment in place.
• Turn off electricity/ gas/ water if applicable & safe to do so.
• Protect yourself, family & assist others.
• Check the safety of elderly in flood zone.
• Charge your mobile phone and other devices, if safe to do so. 
• Do not turn on light switches or use power sockets if property becomes flooded.
• Evacuate in advance of flood waters if safe to do so.
• Cooperate with emergency services.

Note:

Avoid walking or driving through flood water. A shallow depth of fast moving flood water can knock you off your feet. Also a large proportion of deaths during floods happen to people in vehicles. Flood waters can lift manhole covers & gully grates which can cause invisible dangerous hazards under the flood waters. 

Flood water may be contaminated with sewerage due to surcharge in the pipe network.

How can I prepare for a flood in the long-term?

If you live in a flood risk area you should always have preparations in place in case a flood should happen. Long-term preparations are the best way to ensure that your property is protected against flood damage.

• To improve the flood proofing of your walls you can use products such as liquid membranes, polymer/cement coatings, mastic asphalt or pre-formed sheet membranes. 
• To improve the flood resistance of your windows and doors ensure that the seal around the frames is intact and has no cracks. Also, treat any wooden frames with oil-based waterproof stains, paint or varnish. 
• There are a range of temporary defences that can be used to protect your house in the event of a flood, such as sandbags, floodboards and wrapping.  If you are considering purchasing these products, the OPW have advice on their www.flooding.ie website which may be of assistance.  
• If you are carrying out any extension or building work on your house, it would be a good idea to consider having a waterproof membrane built into the foundations. Also consider closed-cell cavity insulation at ground-floor level and a raised damp-proof course. The electrical sockets should be placed above the height reached by floodwater in previous years and any air conditioning, heating or gas units should be situated on the first floor or in the attic.  
• Ensure that any streams, rivers or lakes on your property are able to flow freely. Check for blockages in the stream and ensure that the banks have not eroded.
• Always ensure that you have a stock of materials which are useful during a flood, such as plywood, plastic sheeting, sandbags (unfilled), sand, nails, a hammer, shovel, bricks, blocks of wood and a saw. 
• Stay vigilant and regularly inspect your property for cracks or gaps in the brickwork and floors or around windows, doors and pipes. 
• If you live in a flood risk area it is always a good idea to store any sentimental personal items upstairs or above the highest possible flood level as these are impossible to replace. The same is true of bank and insurance details as well as essential contact numbers. 
• Valuable items, such as laptops, tablets, televisions, etc., should also be stored if possible above ground level. A laptop, for example, should be kept on the table or desk rather than under it.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)

How to create a Flood Plan

If you live in a flood-risk area it is a good idea to have a family flood plan in place so that everyone knows what to do if a flood occurs. This is especially important if you have any very young or elderly family members living with you. Outlined below are some suggestions for your plan.

• Keep a list of emergency numbers close to the phone or stored in the memory of your phone or mobile.
• Make up a flood kit and ensure everyone knows where to find it. Your flood kit should consist of a torch, some warm and waterproof clothes, a battery or wind-up radio, rubber gloves, wellington boots, a first aid kit and blankets.
• Make a list of children’s essentials that you will have to bring with you if you have to leave. For example, milk, baby food, sterilised bottles, nappies, a favourite teddy or toy.
• Think about which of your possessions are most valuable to you. List the items and make sure you know where these things are so that you can move them quickly to safety.
• Does anyone in your family need medication? Don’t forget to take it with you.
• Gas and electricity: make sure you know where the shut off points are. Could you find them in the dark?
• If you have to leave do you have somewhere to go? Will you be able to get there, bearing in mind that some roads might be blocked by the flood?
• If you have elderly or disabled family members in the house, how might you get them out safely?
• Don’t forget your pets.  Ensure you have somewhere safe for them to go.  If you have to leave your home, can you keep them with you, or will they need to be kept elsewhere?

Special advice for the Elderly

If you are an elderly person living alone, try to think about where you would go in the event of a flood. Do you have family or friends you could stay with? If not, accommodation could be arranged by your local health authority. Here are some precautions you should take in case a flood occurs:

• Plan an escape route, particularly if you are in a bungalow or basement.
• If you live in a house and have window locks, always keep a key upstairs so that you’ll be able to let rescuers in if necessary.
• Make a list of useful numbers and keep it in a safe place. The list should include:
  • family and neighbours who can help,
  • your Local Authority and Garda station,
  • your Local Health Services,
  • your insurance company and emergency numbers.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)  

What should I do in the 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.

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).

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.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)  

What should I do after a Flood? 

Always be careful when re-entering a property after a flood. Flooding can weaken foundations and move heavy items into unstable positions. Have any electric, gas or fuel-based service checked by a professional before turning them on and take the following precautions.

• Assume all power lines are live – check that the power in the property is off before you do anything. 
• Check for the smell of gas and make sure the mains are turned off. 
• When entering a room look at the ceiling for any signs of cracks or bulges. Wet plaster is very heavy and can pose a threat to the structure of the property. 
• If your basement is flooded do not rush to pump it out. If the ground outside is saturated it could create uneven pressure on the basement walls, leading to potential structural problems. 
• Be careful when moving any debris and seek help in moving heavy or unstable items that could trap or crush you. 
• Do not enter any building that has large amounts of sediment either inside or lying against it, as the structure may be unstable.  
• Be careful when moving around inside the property: standing water can hide a lot of hazards. 
• Standing water can be a breeding place for micro-organisms which can be released into the air when the water is disturbed. These can be a health hazard if inhaled. Remove all items from the water as soon as possible and wear a protective mask if asthmatic or if you have chest problems. 
• Remember that water can be contaminated – wash your hands with disinfectant if they come into contact with floodwater or silt debris.

Once you are satisfied that it is safe to enter your property there are a few things you must do before you start to clean: 

• Record the damage caused by the flood on a camera or video recorder. 
• Mark the water levels on the walls for reference. 
• Check with your insurance company. They will usually pay for any clearing up, cleaning and sanitising following a flood. 
• Always make sure your insurance company has given approval before any work is carried out.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)  

Flooding and Business Owners – what can I do? 

If your business is in a flood risk area you should have a flood plan in place. Make sure that all staff know what to do in case of a flood.

Be prepared:

• Insurance policies – are you insured for flood damage, business interruption and lost revenue.
• Make a list of important telephone numbers, including contacts for gas, electricity, water and telephone providers. 
• Make a list of employees’ contact details in the event of an evacuation. This might include mobile telephone numbers, or numbers for their home or the home of a friend or relative. 
• Think about staff that may need special assistance in the event of a flood (e.g. elderly, deaf, blind, etc.).
• Incorporate a flood plan into your health and safety plan. Identify evacuation routes for staff. Organise emergency drill (as per fire drill). 
• Know the location of cut-off points for gas, electricity and water. Ideally, these should be marked on a map that is stored with your flood plan. 
• Be aware of the location of chemicals, oils or other materials that could be dangerous or contaminate flood water. These should be stored safe from floods and other hazards.

Protective actions 

• Note key stock, equipment and possessions that may need special protection from flood waters. 
• Consider things you may need during or after a flood (e.g. sandbags, plastic sheeting, loudspeaker, etc.). 
• See if it’s possible to move key operations, such as shipping and receiving or customer services, to another building.

Suppliers and external links 

• Identify products and services you will need in the event of a flood. Make back-up plans or arrangements for short-notice cancellation of deliveries. 
• Consider contracting in advance with companies whose help you may need after a flood. This avoids the frustration of finding help in an emergency, and puts you in a better position to negotiate costs. 
• Identify people who can help you before, during and after a flood.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)  

How can I help make my Home Flood Resistant? 

If you live in a flood risk area you should always have preparations ready in case of a flood. Preparing a plan for what you should do in the event of a flood is well worth the time it may take – it could save you a lot of money, inconvenience and stress, and could even save your life.

Sandbags

It is a good idea to always have a supply of sandbags at hand if you live in a flood risk area. If you do not have sandbags you can use alternatives such as pillow cases or refuse sacks filled with garden soil. Remember not to fill them too early or far away from the site where you may need them as they can get very heavy, very quickly.

• When filling a sandbag wear protective gloves as sand is abrasive. 
• Do not fill the bags more then half full. It is not necessary to tie the ends of the bags, simply tuck the open ends underneath when you are stacking them. 
• Remove any debris from the area where the bags are to be placed. 
• Place the half-filled bags lengthways and parallel to the direction of the water flow. 
• Place bags in layers like a brick wall, make sure that in the next layer each bag overlaps the one below by half. 
• Stamp bags firmly into place to eliminate gaps and create a tight seal. 
• If you need sandbag protection which is more than three layers high, build them up in a pyramid style: begin with a base more than four sandbags thick and then build upwards, tapering towards the top. 
• For extra waterproofing cover your sandbag wall with plastic sheeting, making sure to weigh it down with additional sandbags on the ground.

Although sandbags are a popular defence against floods, they do have their disadvantages: 

• During an emergency, sufficient quantities may be difficult to obtain. 
• They are time-consuming and require two people to fill. 
• They can be difficult to handle, particularly for the elderly or infirm. 
• When they come into contact with floodwater, they tend to retain contaminants such as sewage. 
• Sacking material is biodegradable and can disintegrate if left in place for long periods of time.

Floodboards 

Floodboards (or flood barriers) are removable barriers that can be placed across openings, such as doors, in the event of a flood. There are a number of specifically designed, commercially available products that can be bought and fitted. If you buy floodboards, you should look for a product that has a quality assurance mark (such as the ‘kite’ mark).

It is also possible to make your own floodboards. However, care should be taken to make sure they are strong enough and that they fit properly into the opening for which they are intended to form a proper seal.

The easiest way to make floodboards is to construct a wooden or metal barrier that is secured flat against a wall, door or across gateways or paths by means of a frame. The pressure of the floodwater itself will help seal the barrier. The efficiency of the boards will be determined by the strength of the walls and the durability of the frame fittings. The most common type of floodboard is one which can slide down into the frame, as this can be removed easily when not needed. But you can also make a hinged variety which can swing closed across any gaps. It is important that floodboards fit precisely. If in doubt it may be best to buy specialist items.

Wrapping

Wrapping is an advanced method of reducing the effects of floodwater by enclosing the bottom 600 – 900 mm of a property in plastic sheeting. The process involves digging a trench in front of the wall you wish to protect. The plastic sheeting is attached to the wall above the expected height of the floodwater. It is run down the wall and placed over a drainpipe at the base, before being run through the trench and secured on the other side with weights or sandbags. Wrapping a building takes some DIY ability and needs to be started well before any floodwater arrives as it does take some time. There are alternatively commercially available products that can be bought and fitted to your property.

Warning

Flood protection products can be effective in mitigating against the adverse consequences for properties at risk of flooding.  They can reduce the damage caused to contents, furniture and fittings in a house or business, but are not applicable in all situations.  In cases of severe flooding (where floodwater rises above 1 metre) keeping water out of your property can be more harmful than letting it in. The stress on the building caused by that amount of water can potentially damage the structure and foundations of the building. Therefore you should never block doors, windows or air-vents over 1 metre in height.

Property owners considering the use of such methods should seek the advice of an appropriately qualified expert on the suitability of measures for their property, and consider the possible requirements for environmental assessment.

There are ready-made flood protection products available to buy from a variety of companies.

Floodgates

These slide in front of entrances such as driveways and doors, to stop floodwater entering your property.

Floodbags

These bags can be used instead of sandbags, They soak up the floodwater and then form a barrier to prevent the water from going any further.

Air Vent Covers

Air vents or air bricks must be sealed during a Flood Risk Period. A number of types of temporary covers are available to seal these openings.

(Information courtesy of OPW website www.flooding.ie)

What are the dangers of Flood Waters?

There are many dangers associated with floodwaters. Drowning is something that always springs to mind when thinking of floods but there are other dangers. People should always avoid walking or driving through flood water. A shallow depth of fast moving flood water can knock you off your feet. Also a large proportion of deaths during floods happen to people in vehicles. Flood waters can lift manhole covers & gully grates which can cause invisible dangerous hazards under the flood waters.

Flood water may be contaminated with sewerage due to surcharge in the pipe network.