Flooding Advice

Castlereagh Borough Council is not the lead authority in relation to flooding. The Council has no statutory remit but understands its role as a civic leader. The following information is to assist Council ratepayers, plan for, cope with and deal with the aftermath of flooding. The Council cannot be held liable for any damage to property due to the actions or omissions of persons following this guidance.

The Council would also recommend that householders contact their household insurance company who may also provide valuable guidance and advice.

Before Flooding/Future Prevention

• Check your insurance policy to ensure that your home and possessions are covered against flooding. If they are not change your policy.
• Check the history of your local area for past flooding, this can be done through a library or ask neighbors. Look at the Rivers Agency flood plan; http://www.riversagencyni.gov.uk/index/stategic-flood-maps.htm.
• Check the exterior of your property to identify possible floodwater entry points to your home, e.g. the subfloor (foundations), garage or boiler house.
• Check guttering, downspouts and drains on your property ensuring that any debris has been removed allowing the water to run freely.
• If your property has flooded before, it may be more susceptible to flooding again. It may be worthwhile purchasing your own flood defenses to use should flooding occur. These come in a wide range of products from door and vent barriers through to sandbags. These flood defenses may prevent water entering your property, outbuildings or vulnerable appliances including your Central Heating System.
• Seal and store in a safe, but readily available location important documents (insurance policy etc), photographs, personal items of significant value.
• Keep an emergency kit consisting of a torch, mobile phone (if possible), first aid kit, radio, Wellington boots, rubber gloves, disinfectant, soap, towels, bottled water and any necessary medication. Keep emergency contact details of emergency services, insurance providers, friends and relatives with your emergency kit. This emergency kit should be safely stored and easily accessed, as outlined above.

• At the first sign of flooding, contact the NI Direct Flood line number 03002000100. The quicker flooding is reported the quicker resources can be deployed.
• Deploy flood defenses as required to redirect the water or prevent its ingress into your property.
• Move as many valuables as possible to higher positions in the home (first floor or higher).
• Retrieve your emergency kit and sealed important documents containing the contact details of lead agencies including Northern Ireland Water, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the River’s Agency, (contact details are attached)
• If floodwater enters a house, do not use any electrical or gas appliances.
• Stay away from flooded drains, these pose significant risk.
• Take care of walking through flood water, it can easily sweep you from your feet and also contain heavy debris.

Step 1 - Immediate Action

Your first priority after flood damage is to salvage as much as possible. Kitchen units and wooden furniture are prone to absorbing water, but are often salvageable when they dry out.

Aim to strip the house as thoroughly as possible to allow the drying process to begin. Make sure you don't dispose of damaged goods until your insurers have had a chance to inspect them.


Carpets, Sofas & Soft Furnishing

If the carpets or soft furnishings in your home were submerged by water they will most likely be ruined. Remove them along with the underlay, and put them outside in case an insurance valuation inspection is necessary. Don't throw them away!


Lino or Vinyl

There is a danger of dry rot setting in if moisture is trapped beneath floor coverings, therefore lino or vinyl should be removed to reveal bare floor boards or concrete.

Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants should contact NIHE 24hr repair service number 08448920901.


Step 2 - Water Removal

The simplest way of removing large amounts of water is by using water pumps and/or buckets. Water pumps can be hired from a local hire shop or bought from any good DIY shop. When using a pump, it's important to ask for advice on de-watering (removal of water in your property).

Don't leave a basement full of water if pumping out is possible - this can cause serious structural damage. For a charge, the NI Fire and Rescue Authority, telephone 028 9266 4221 should be able to help you pump out large volumes of water.

Once you've pumped out all the standing water, the drying out process of your property can begin. The speed of the drying process can be increased by removing a couple of floorboards at each end of affected ground-floor rooms allowing the air to circulate. Aid this ventilation by opening windows and turning the heating on low. No condensation indicates your property has dried out.

Dehumidifiers can be used to remove moisture from affected rooms. These can be hired locally or purchased from any good DIY shop. Remember to close the windows of the room that you are trying to dry out.


Step 3 - Disinfect & Clean

After a flood, it's important to clean and disinfect everything that has come into contact with the floodwaters (this water may contain foul effluent) to avoid illnesses.

Take the following safety precautions before you begin cleaning:

• When handling debris or cleaning flood damaged areas and items, wear protective clothes like waterproof gloves.
• Cover open cuts and wounds on exposed skin with a waterproof plaster.
• Immediately wash your hands with disinfectant if you've been working in floodwater or sludge after your clean-up.

It's highly recommended to leave your property vacant until the following steps have been carried out. Also contact the Council who may be able to help with clean up materials and further advice.

• Remove the sludge - as the water subsides you can expect large mud deposits to remain on your walls and floors.
• Clean surfaces - use a brush, hot soapy water and a heavy duty cleaner. Pay attention to hidden areas where dirt can collect. Surfaces exposed to flood water contaminated by oil and diesel will need additional cleaning. A detergent solution is best for this.
• Disinfect - ensure you follow the instructions on the packaging. All food preparation surfaces, equipment, containers, utensils, crockery and cutlery must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before use.
• Dry - allow all cleansed and disinfected areas to dry thoroughly. Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry as soon as possible - this will assist in the prevention of moulds.


Step 4 - Mould Removal

Moulds can usually be detected by a musty odour and discoloration of surfaces. While dealing with mould removal in your home, wear protective clothes like gloves and a mask.

The most basic solution to mould problems is to disinfect and dry the affected items. Clean mould using a 4% bleach solution (4 caps of bleach to 100 caps of water). Specialist solutions can be purchased - ensure you follow the instructions on the packaging

Be wary of hidden moulds. Check behind furniture like settees and wardrobes by pulling them away from the walls. This gives air the chance to circulate and helps the area to dry out.


Step 5 - Future Prevention

Once your home is back to normal, the last step is to avoid future damage and annoyance if another flood occurs by being well prepared:

Useful Contact Telephone Numbers in the event of a Flood:

NI Direct Floodline:03002000100
DOE Roads Service: 028 4481 2632
Floodline (Rivers Agency): 028 9260 6100
NI Fire and Rescue Service: 028 9266 4221
NI Electricity: 0845 7643643
NI Housing Executive: 03448 920 900,
   Out of Hours: 03448 920 901
Castlereagh Borough Council: 028 9049 4500


Link to NI Direct Floodline leaflet issued by the rivers agency

Rivers Agency Flooding Leaflet 2009