A TOP scientist has given out her 10 best tips to save your home from flooding and says you should never use sandbags.

It comes as Brits were hit by power cuts and travel chaos this morning as relentless rain triggered floods across the country.

The Met Office has issued three yellow warnings for "persistent heavy rain" throughout the day, covering much of Wales and north-west England.

This morning, motorways were hit by 9-mile-long queues during rush hour after a pile-up between junctions 8 and 9 on the M25.

And the torrential weather shows no sign of stopping with the Environment Agency issuing 29 flood warnings along with 90 alerts across England.

Expert Angela Terry says homeowners and businesses need to act quickly to protect their properties and limit the damage.

Here are the environmental scientist's top 10 tips.

Check your flood risk

Angela says that you should always check your flood risk where you live.

And she adds that you should sign up to Environment Agency alerts as they give you time to act.

Move cars immediately

If you have prior warning, immediately move cars and people out of the way of a flood.

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Angela says to never wait until you can see rising water as it might be too late.

It's important to remember that driving through rain water is the number one cause of death in flooding.

People before property

Flood waters can rise fast and you should always dial 999 if you are concerned about risks to human life.

Angela stresses that although your instinct will be to stay and protect you property, you should follow the emergency services’ advice. 

Emergency kits

Expert Angela says that if your home is at risk of flooding you should create two emergency kits.

One should be made in case you are trapped in your building and one if you have to leave.

Include medicines, first aid kit, food, a torch, copies of important documents, protective clothing, pet items and keys.

No Sandbags

Angela says that sandbags are a big no-no when trying to deal with flooding because they just filter water.

The scientist says that they are heavy, hard to dispose of and not very effective if filled with sand bought from a builder’s merchant.

Instead, the scientist recommends using “hydrosacks” instead – these are light, recyclable domestic flood barriers.

Flood kit

Angela recommends investing in an inexpensive flood kit including gadgets such as toilet stoppers, shower blocks, non-return valves for drains and air brick patches that prevent water coming in or surging through pipes

It’s worth remembering water can enter through brickwork and mortar. If it's not sealed, water will get in.

Check your insurance

Checking your insurance and making sure your contents are covered for storm and flood damage is crucial, says Angela.

This may mean specialist cover if you are in an area that has been flooded before.

However, if you rent your home, your landlord could be responsible for the actual building although you are responsible for the contents.

Take pics

If your home is in area at risk of flooding, take pictures of your home in normal conditions.

This means you have a before and after record for insurers if water enters your house, flat or business premises. 

Don't come back early

Expert Angela says that if your home does get flooded, you should never come home too early.

Flood waters can take weeks, if not months, to recede.

Remember, you can’t live in a house with no heating, drinking water or sanitation for long periods.

Resistance measures

Angela says that as the world becomes warmer, extreme weather will become more frequent.

The scientist says that you should investigate resistance measures to stop water getting into your property in the long term.

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This can include flood-proof doors and domestic flood barriers.

Angela Terry is an environmental scientist. To find out more, visit onehome.org.uk and follow her on Twitter @ouronehome.

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