Over the past month we’ve seen an increased cases of flooding in the UK with many homes suffering the full force of flood water damage. If you happen to be living on your own, the alert of a flood can be very nerve wrecking, especially if you struggle getting up and down your stairs.
To help you navigate your home in the event of a flood, here are a couple of useful tips.
Make Use of Neighbours and Friends
Living alone means that, when it comes to needing a little help, your neighbours will be your first point of call. When you’re under threat of a flood, it’s good to have people know how mobile you are and where you are. If you’re going away on holiday, let your neighbours know and ask if they can keep an eye on your house.
More importantly, you should make sure you have a way to contact your neighbours, such as their phone numbers, in case you need help immediately.
Have an Alternative Means of Communication
When flooding occurs electricity is shut off for safety reasons. You may find that your land line no longer works and- if your mobile phone isn’t charged up- it’s a good idea to have an alternative form of communicating with your neighbours.
Flashlights can be used to signal people in surrounding houses while keeping something to write on, such as a whiteboard, will let your neighbours know that you need help.
Identify All of Your Entrances and Exits
It’s always good, no matter where you live or what dangers you may face, to know where all of your entrances and exits are. This way, if you find that one of your exits is blocked via debris or the approaching flood, you know that you have an alternative means of vacating your home.
More than anything, knowing the exact layout of your home will prevent you from panicking if your first choice of exit is unavailable.
Have an Escape Chair
Though you can be certain that your trusty stairlift is a reliable form of ascending and descending your stairs, when flooding occurs you may find that, as your electricity is turned off, you’re unable to use it.
Investing in an escape chair (or an evacuation chair) is important if you find you have very limited mobility. Though evacuation chairs require a second person to help, they’re vital when it comes to making your way swiftly and safely down your stairs.
Once the threat for flooding has passed and a verified electrician has deemed your property safe, you may find that your stairlift needs to be checked before you’re able to use it again. We’re able to provide reliable maintenance service for all of our stairlifts in Manchester, simply contact us today on 0800 046 3438 to find out more about our maintenance service.