Before a flood

Flooding like in Missy and Stanley’s Tale doesn’t happen very often, but it’s still a good idea to be ready. You can make a plan with your family, just in case. You might choose a few special things to put in a grab-bag to take with you. Talking about flooding together can help everyone feel calm, safe, and prepared.

Straight after a flood

Flooding can leave things wet, dirty and smelly. Carpets, furniture and things left on the floor may be squelchy and need to be thrown away. (That’s why it’s a good idea to move things UP — upstairs, or on high shelves before any water comes in).

The power, heating and plumbing may not work. It might be dark and cold inside, and you might not be able to use the toilet or drink from the taps.

You might see lots of new faces such as emergency workers, flood wardens, and builders — or familiar faces such as trusted adults and friends who come to help.

Feelings

It’s ok to feel worried or confused, upset, scared about what happens next, or even angry. Talking to friends, family or other trusted adults who have also been affected by flooding can help. They will understand how you feel — and may feel the same way.

Be prepared!

In an emergency, it can be hard for adults to remember to explain what’s going on to kids. That’s why we have included information in this book. If you can talk to your family about flooding before, during and after it happens you will:

• Know what to do before a flood happens and can help others be prepared.
• Understand what’s happening, and why things might need to be different for a while — living somewhere else, going to a different school, having a different routine.
• Be able to talk to your friends so they can understand too.

Just like Missy and Stanley, if you find your house full of water and you need to leave, you and your family can be prepared and have a plan to help you come back home soon.