I flooded in 2003 following the opening of Jubilee River. It was not possible to do anything to protect our property from flooding since the water table level rose to a point where water could be seen rising from skirting boards.
There is little point is rushing around for sandbags in such an event nor is there any other flood protection device which would work in this situation.
When floodwater recedes it leaves a smelly sludge which has to be removed as soon as possible. Insurance companies are usually overwhelmed in flood situations so it is advisable to contact your insurers at the very first opportunity to assess damage and to bring in dehumidifiers etc..

After a flood it is as well to take stock and consider the possibility of rebuilding to a higher level rather that spend the rest of your life worrying about whether it will happen again. Rebuilding will take away this problem and at the same time leave you with a house that you could sell at some time in the future. (This is what we did.)

We live in rural Cumbria, near Carlisle in Crosby on Eden, a village of about 100 houses, and were affected in the 2005 floods. The village school, pub and restaurant along with a third of houses were flooded. The main concentration of assistance...

The reality of having your home flooded is difficult to understand unless you have been through the experience – you can face many months away from home while it is restored. "A flood can also mean the prospect of having to throw away...

We live in rural Cumbria, near Carlisle in Crosby on Eden, a village of about 100 houses, and were affected in the 2005 floods. The village school, pub and restaurant along with a third of houses were flooded. The main concentration of assistance...