The Construction Centre.co.uk Takes Practical Steps to Help UK Flood Victims
Following the devastating effects of recent rainfall across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, The Construction Centre has responded by compiling a practical and easy guide to coping with flood damage.
Kenilworth, United Kingdom, August 02, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Richard Simmons Managing Director of www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk, the UK’s leading website for providing information on building products and people, was struck by the enormity of the situation and decided to take immediate action to help people by setting up an area on the website dedicated to flooding.
Richard used his expertise and has published two guides on the website, the first regarding flood prevention and the second providing flood victims with practical and easy information about how to rebuild and restore their homes. Also available is a comprehensive list of UK suppliers for products such as sandbags, heaters, de-humidifiers and tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians.
Richard said “I have experienced a few floods over the years and the effects are devastating not just in the immediate hours after it has happened but for months following. I am trying to help by giving people sound advice and a way of finding companies who can help them dry out and restore their homes. With so many homes affected there will inevitably be a shortage of drying products available and so we have contact details for companies who can supply across the whole of the UK.”
He continued “We also want to be able to provide long term help for people as the clean up process begins and will be setting up a new area on the website in the next two weeks for people to request items they need and for suppliers to be able to donate or lend products and services. We will put people who are in need, directly in touch with people who can help them.”
Below are some hints and tips which people may not have considered; more detailed information can be found at www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/flood-advice
When you are flooded
First and foremost do not let water stagnate in the home, bricks and concrete continually absorb water but tale a long time to dry out, usually 25mm per month, which means many homes may not be dry for over 6 months.
Using a half moon dustpan is a very effective water removal tool along with furniture foam which is good for soaking up the last remnants of water.
Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate; allowing air to flow through the house through doors and windows is the only way to get your home dry alongside electric heaters. Do not rely on de-humidifiers as an initial drying tool, they only work best right at the end of the drying process.
To assess whether your floors have fully dried out place a small piece of polythene sheet on part of it overnight, if condensation appears there is still more drying to do.
If you have wet photos, place them in the freezer, the cold will protect them from further damage.
Replacement Solutions
Consider tiling your floors instead of carpeting or use large rugs or mats which can easily be rolled up in the event of new flood warnings
Installing stainless steel or metal kitchen units will avoid damage to your kitchen or using shelving under your worktops instead of traditional wooden units.
Raise your appliances permanently off the floor to protect them from future flood damage.
Install PVC skirting boards as an alternative to wooden skirting to prevent future damage.
Future Prevention
Purchase door guards, or 12mm plywood as this is a very effective way of keeping water out of your home and they can be easily installed. Ensure you have plenty of gun applied sealant to secure the gaps between the guards and the wall.
Purchase air vent guards and fit them to any inlet areas, again seal carefully around the joins.
Put towels or rags into the pan of the toilet and ensure they are tightly secured, they will work as a stopper if the drains surcharge. The same measures should be used for basins and sink plug holes where possible.
Have a survival kit ready containing items such as: a torch and spare batteries, blankets and warm clothing, waterproofs including rubber gloves, a first-aid kit, a list of useful telephone numbers, a mobile phone, a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, camping stove and a tin opener and a portable radio and supply of batteries. For peace of mind it is vital to place important documents such as passports, driving licence, insurance papers and even house deeds in a waterproof wallet or container.
For more information visit: www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/flood-advice
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Richard used his expertise and has published two guides on the website, the first regarding flood prevention and the second providing flood victims with practical and easy information about how to rebuild and restore their homes. Also available is a comprehensive list of UK suppliers for products such as sandbags, heaters, de-humidifiers and tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians.
Richard said “I have experienced a few floods over the years and the effects are devastating not just in the immediate hours after it has happened but for months following. I am trying to help by giving people sound advice and a way of finding companies who can help them dry out and restore their homes. With so many homes affected there will inevitably be a shortage of drying products available and so we have contact details for companies who can supply across the whole of the UK.”
He continued “We also want to be able to provide long term help for people as the clean up process begins and will be setting up a new area on the website in the next two weeks for people to request items they need and for suppliers to be able to donate or lend products and services. We will put people who are in need, directly in touch with people who can help them.”
Below are some hints and tips which people may not have considered; more detailed information can be found at www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/flood-advice
When you are flooded
First and foremost do not let water stagnate in the home, bricks and concrete continually absorb water but tale a long time to dry out, usually 25mm per month, which means many homes may not be dry for over 6 months.
Using a half moon dustpan is a very effective water removal tool along with furniture foam which is good for soaking up the last remnants of water.
Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate; allowing air to flow through the house through doors and windows is the only way to get your home dry alongside electric heaters. Do not rely on de-humidifiers as an initial drying tool, they only work best right at the end of the drying process.
To assess whether your floors have fully dried out place a small piece of polythene sheet on part of it overnight, if condensation appears there is still more drying to do.
If you have wet photos, place them in the freezer, the cold will protect them from further damage.
Replacement Solutions
Consider tiling your floors instead of carpeting or use large rugs or mats which can easily be rolled up in the event of new flood warnings
Installing stainless steel or metal kitchen units will avoid damage to your kitchen or using shelving under your worktops instead of traditional wooden units.
Raise your appliances permanently off the floor to protect them from future flood damage.
Install PVC skirting boards as an alternative to wooden skirting to prevent future damage.
Future Prevention
Purchase door guards, or 12mm plywood as this is a very effective way of keeping water out of your home and they can be easily installed. Ensure you have plenty of gun applied sealant to secure the gaps between the guards and the wall.
Purchase air vent guards and fit them to any inlet areas, again seal carefully around the joins.
Put towels or rags into the pan of the toilet and ensure they are tightly secured, they will work as a stopper if the drains surcharge. The same measures should be used for basins and sink plug holes where possible.
Have a survival kit ready containing items such as: a torch and spare batteries, blankets and warm clothing, waterproofs including rubber gloves, a first-aid kit, a list of useful telephone numbers, a mobile phone, a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, camping stove and a tin opener and a portable radio and supply of batteries. For peace of mind it is vital to place important documents such as passports, driving licence, insurance papers and even house deeds in a waterproof wallet or container.
For more information visit: www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk/flood-advice
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The Construction Centre
Angela Gallacher
01926 865825
www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk
Angela Gallacher
01926 865825
www.theconstructioncentre.co.uk
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