FBI, an Irish-owned company located in Waterford, was established to meet the growing requirement for extreme flooding events in offering an extensive range of solutions to public and private sector clients.

We are currently working in conjunction with the OPW, county councils, all relevant government bodies involved in

flood alleviation including architectural/engineering consultants, local communities and residents’ associations to offer

comprehensive fully supported integrated design and product-specific solutions to combat extreme flooding/water incidents and the best advice on how to protect properties against failure from flooding.

Approval and liaison with the major insurance companies offers each client a survey of their property to assess the requirements for flood protection and provides suitable budget options. FBI is very unique to other competitors as they design, supply and install their flood protection products to all types of properties, which are all certified and tested.

A wide range of products and specialised unique systems are offered such as the Self- Closing Flood Barrier (SCFB).

In operational use globally since 1998, the SCFB® is acclaimed as the world’s most effective flood protection system. Its success can be attributed to the simple, but ingenious concept of using the approaching floodwaters to automatically

raise the barrier; effectively using the problem to create the solution. The SCFB® has the considerable advantage of not requiring any human intervention during a flood warning, which would otherwise put lives at risk.

FBI’s full product range includes various types of door barriers, full height flash flood doors, hinged gates, glass barriers, flip-up systems, all surface and sewer water fittings such as backflow valves; flood angel alarm – an early detection warning system to deploy flood protection barriers when water is detected entering the property. The company covers all counties in Ireland.

The company covers all counties in Ireland and to arrange a free, no obligation flood risk assessment, survey and quotation call 1850 324 324 or visist our website www.floodbarrier.ie

First, you should find out if you are at risk of flooding. This will help you plan your response if there is a flood. Floodline will be able to let you know if your property is likely to flood.

If you are at risk of flooding, you should then check to make sure you have proper insurance, which will cover you in the event of a flood.

You should ensure that your insurance documents are placed in a watertight folder, along with other important documents. This should include contact details for friends and family.

It would also help to get a few sandbags and place them within easy reach. During a flood, these should be placed at any doors, windows and vents. This can hold bag flood water, dramatically reducing the damage caused by flooding.

You should also move as much furniture upstairs as you can. If you can’t move furniture upstairs, move it away from the walls and raise it up on some bricks. This will help your property dry quicker after a flood.

Next, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. It may help to practice this before a flood, to ensure you can find the switches quickly.

You should then move any electrical appliances upstairs. You should also move any items which have sentimental value upstairs, to help prevent them from getting damaged.

If you have pets, you should move these upstairs to ensure they are safe. If you receive a flood warning, you may want to ask friends or relatives to look after your pets.

If it is possible, you should also roll up any rugs and carpets and move these upstairs. Replacing the carpet after a flood can be a lot of trouble. However, this may not be possible.

You should also move any cars to higher ground to prevent damage. If you need to evacuate your property, it will help to have transport at hand.

Following these tips will ensure that damage caused by flooding is minimal. It will also help you get back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood