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Photo: Flood waters

29/06/2007 - Honda helps Britain recover from deluge

Torrential rain continues to batter homes and businesses across northern England seriously disrupting lives and livelihoods. Hundreds of people have spent further nights in evacuation centres as emergency services battle to contain the devastating floods which have claimed several lives.

Within hours of the first drop of rain, Honda dealers across the region were inundated with orders and enquiries about its water pump range as people battled to keep the floods at bay. Additionally, demand for Honda’s generator product escalated as those affected sought a solution to potential power outages resulting from the freak conditions.

Martin Sanders, General Manager, Honda (UK) Power Equipment said: "Our dealers are reporting increased levels of enquiries and sales in light of the conditions. A Honda water pump and generator are the ideal solution for those wishing to mitigate the effects of increasingly common volatile weather conditions"

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) estimates that 10 per cent of the land area of the UK, covering up to two million homes and 185,000 businesses, is in danger of flooding. As householders count the cost of the storms, the Met Office is forecasting further heavy rain this weekend.

So how can the public protect themselves from the stress and inconvenience caused by severe floods?

With freak weather becoming increasingly common, the UK public is under threat more than ever. While emergency services struggle to help those in most distress, individuals are advised to take that extra step in protecting their homes and businesses. Investment in emergency equipment such as a water pump, sand bags and a generator could go a long way to limiting the stress and damage caused by flooding.

Expert advice in the event of flooding:

  1. Listen out for warnings on radio and TV. Call Floodline on 0845 988 118 for the latest information.
  2. Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety.
  3. Put sand bags or flood boards under doors but always ensure your property is adequately ventilated.
  4. Plug sinks and baths and put a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow.
  5. Unplug electrical items and move them upstairs if possible. Be ready to turn off gas and electricity supplies.
  6. Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities as you may need to be evacuated to a rest centre.