Resources: Quick guide to ... flooding

1. Flood waters rise amazingly quickly. If your project is in a low-lying area that's prone to flooding, plan ahead. If you wait until waters are rising, you will miss the chance to do many things that will save time and money later. Shift valuable and easily damaged equipment, park vehicles on higher ground, have a stock of sandbags and otherwise follow the wise advice of the flooding authorities. For England and Wales see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/ and in Scotland see www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/. Or call the 24-hour floodline on 0845 988 1188.

2. Water is more powerful and dangerous than a lot of people realise. When roads turn into rivers, they flow with tremendous force. Wading waist-deep in moving water is highly risky. Oddly, some people think driving through flood water is a reasonable thing to do. It isn't recommended. If you have to drive, go very slowly to avoid creating a wash, in first gear only, and get out of the vehicle if it stalls. Don't sit in it waiting - vehicles do get washed away. Advise young people to take a longer way round.