Flooding can be devastating – it poses a risk to life, property and vehicles and can force people out of their homes. Find out how to keep yourself, your home and your valuables safe if you’re in a high-risk area.
Is my area at risk of flooding?
It’s a good idea to check the long-term flood risk for your local area so you can be as prepared as possible.
Find out the long-term flood risk for your local area on the GOV.UK website
There are three different levels of flood warnings:
- Flood alert means you need to prepare
- Flood warning means you should take action
- Severe flood warning means there’s a danger to life
Sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email on the GOV.UK website
How do I prepare for a flood?
You can make a free flood plan with guidance from the Environment Agency. It could save you valuable time, prevent your belongings from being damaged and reduce the impact of flooding on your home.
There are some simple things that you can do to prepare for flooding including:
- storing irreplaceable or valuable items upstairs or, if you live in a bungalow, as high up as possible (on high-mounted shelves, for example)
- buy large sealable bags to protect valuable items
- finding out how to turn off your gas and electricity supply
- preparing a flood kit that you can easily reach
- if you’re already getting some general repair work done to your home, consider flood-safe options, like raising electrical sockets and fitting water-resistant skirting boards.
Your flood kit should include:
- a torch
- a blanket, warm clothes and waterproofs
- a portable radio
- a first aid kit
- a list of useful telephone numbers and insurance details
- food and bottled water
- a portable carrier (if you have a pet)
The Environment Agency have a booklet on preparing your property for flooding
Who can help me if there’s a flood?
Find out if there are flood wardens working in your area or if a community-based flood group has been set up.
The National Flood Forum have advice on what to do during a flood