As fun as caravan holidays and residential park homes are, safety should always come first. There are lots of things to think about when you own or rent accommodation but sometimes, when matters are out of your control, you’re forced to address serious problems you may not have thought much about in the past. This has been the case for many home and business owners across the UK recently because of the severe weather and floods the country has suffered. Caravan parks in the West of the country were particularly badly hit this winter which got us thinking: now the parks are waking up for spring it’s about time for a refresher on how to flood-proof your caravan.
If you live on a residential caravan park then floods threaten more than your summer holiday, they could mean you lose your home. Similarly, if you own your own holiday home and it is at risk of flooding – whether you’re there at the time or not – the damage could be devastating. Therefore it is vital to take preventative measures that will help to reduce or avoid any flood damage to your caravan. Here are four things you can do to flood-proof your caravan:
Insurance is invaluable when it comes to caravans and floods, or indeed any form of severe weather. Unfortunately, caravans in high risk areas – which are most in need of insurance – are often difficult to get cover for. This is why it is important to take certain actions to reduce your flood risk and increase your chances of getting insurance cover. Once you are eligible for insurance cover, make sure you get it so you can have peace of mind.
Site owners will know how frequently and how severely a site floods so it is always good to seek advice and ask questions. If your chosen caravan site is at risk of floods 4 metres or more in depth then it may be worth investing in a floatation device. They are not a cheap quick but once fitted they offer superb flood protection. These floatation devices fit underneath your caravan discreetly and as long as they aren’t anchored by decks and such, they will jump into action when waters reach a significant level. The steel-enclosed polystyrene blocks will float on up to 11 feet of water and return to the original position when floodwaters subside.
Make sure you keep on top of your unit’s maintenance. Check for leaks and areas where there could be leaks (areas that have drafts are always a good indication) then make sure you resolve the problem as soon as possible. By making sure all drafts and leaks are seen to and sealed off you will protect the interior of your caravan from wind-driven rain and any avoidable indoor flooding.
Make sure you pay attention to weather forecasts or warnings from authorities and the media. There is no need to put yourself at risk and with so many different channels of communication you should have at least some warning of flood hazards. If you have plenty of time to prepare for bad weather then you can do a good job of thoroughly flood-proofing your caravan. However, if you are already in the midst of bad weather and you are concerned that more of the same could result in floods and damage then keep yourself informed.
There are many different ways to handle a flood but until amphibious caravans like the Thansadet aquatic trailer are the norm it is best to flood-proof your caravan with tried and tested methods. It is imperative that you ensure you have adequate insurance, install preventative measures and remain aware of your surroundings – whether that means keeping an eye on your caravan’s condition and maintenance or watching the news to stay abreast of weather alerts. It may seem like a lot of hassle for what is only a “potential” hazard but when the heavens open and the rivers rise, you’ll be glad you made the effort!
Allens Caravans Estates Ltd is registered in England and Wales - Reg No. 525635
