[Brekkie]

It's not just about protecting your property it's about having somewhere to go. For many friends and family isn't an option - they to might be flooded and you may have no means of getting there. If rescue centres have been set up (and I'm sure they have) it's not surprising many would only want to use them as a last resort.

The American starting this thread though clearly understands very little about the British - the Blitz spirit is still alive and well.