As snow turns to flooding the team at Integra are keen to share a few tips to help. With one in five at risk of flooding it is important that flood risk is taken seriously - it is more likely that you will be flooded than suffer burglary.

January 2010 -- Whilst the coldest winter in 30 years may seem bad enough, worse news could be on the way as flooding is predicted once the snow begins to thaw.

Flood warnings have already been issued in Ireland and more are expected throughout the UK as burst pipes and blocked drainage systems struggle to cope with the excess water brought about by the heavy snow.

However, leading flood prevention specialists Instantsandbags.com have issued ten flood prevention tips to help you defend your home from the risk of flooding.

1.   Check the flooding risk in your area, The Environment Agency has a map that should help but even if you are not on it, flooding can happen anywhere and at anytime – so prepare for the worst.

2.   Always keep important documents, phone numbers and other important information in a safe place and easily accessible - especially insurance documents which you should double check covers you for flooding. If you are flooded, remember to take plenty of photographs.

3.   Make sure you know how to turn the electricity, gas and water mains off.

4.   Where possible, move as much of your belongings upstairs out of reach of any potential flooding. Look at things that are at risk and evaluate if you should move them.

5.   Flooding can often cause sewage water to rise up. Never handle anything that’s been in flood water as there is a serious risk of disease

6.   Soiled water can often be forced up through lavatories. Use toilet seals, especially in downstairs toilets to prevent flooding coming in that way.

7.   Don’t neglect air vents and airbricks. If you have secured the doors and windows against flooding, air vents will still allow the water in.

8.   Prepare a flood kit, include such things as a torch, warm clothes and first aid kit. Don’t forget plenty of drinking water, even if the mains are working, tap water is not safe to drink during floods and it may be some time before your local authority can supply you with some - think about a water purifier like Instant Clean Water’ so at least you know you’ll have clean water to hand.

9.   Don’t rely on the local council to provide flood prevention equipment such as sandbags - they may not have enough to hand especially if there are thousands of other home owners like yourselves. Sandbags can also be difficult to transport if they are supplied already filled and if they are supplied empty - you will have to find a source of sand yourself..

10.   Remember to fill sandbags correctly; incorrectly filled and they will not defend against water – consider Instant Sandbags, they inflate in water, don’t require sand but act in exactly the same way as a conventional sandbags. Instant Sandbags can also be stored flat and are ready to use when needed.