- First aid kit and prescription medicines.
- Canned food, bottled water and portable cooking equipment (enough for at least 3 days).
- Blankets, waterproof clothing and welly boots (for everyone at home).
- A list of local emergency numbers (e.g. your GP, the council).
- Working torch and portable radio (with spare batteries).
- Insurance details.
Help prevent damage to your home
in a flood
Tips to get your home ready for wet weather, protect it from flooding and what
to do if the worst should happen.
How to be prepared for floods and heavy rain
Redirect
Excess water away from your home using landscaping.
Block
Water from entering with flood bags and flood barriers for your doors and windows.
Cover
Airbricks (the ones with holes for circulation) before a storm, or get the self-sealing kind.
Consider
Ceramic tiles rather than carpets or wood, especially on ground floors.
Move
Kitchen units and electrical sockets above ground level and install check valves. Take any electrical appliances you can upstairs.
Store
Valuables safely away in waterproof containers, seal larger items like furniture in bags, especially if you can’t get them out of harm’s way.
Back up
Any important computer files.
Finally, have a plan in place if your preventative measures aren’t enough and you have to get out in an emergency. Have a grab bag ready to go with essentials like:
What’s the difference between a flood alert and a flood warning?
Flood alerts are issued when flooding is a possibility. When things get even more serious, a flood warning lets you know flooding’s not just possible but expected. Flood warnings should be taken very seriously.
With storms and other severe weather events in the UK getting more frequent and more extreme, it’s a good idea to allow notifications from the Met Office weather app so you get alerts and warnings about possible floods and other dangerous weather events.
-
Flood alert
-
Flood warning
-
Severe flood warning
A flood alert means flooding is possible so you should get yourself ready.
Flood alerts are issued when forecasts show flooding may be possible from:
- Rivers overflowing or bursting their banks.
- High tides causing coastal flooding.
- Storm surges or cyclones causing a rise in sea level.
- Strong winds at sea.
A flood warning means it’s time to act because flooding is expected.
Flood warnings are issued when forecasts show flooding is expected from:
- Rivers overflowing or bursting their banks.
- Heavy rain that will cause rivers to flash flood.
- High tides and storm surges along with strong winds at sea.
A severe flood warning means there could be significant disruption and a risk to life.
Severe flood warnings can be issued before, during or after flooding and may require immediate action due to:
- Deep, fast-flowing water.
- Dangerous debris in the flood water.
- Buildings collapsing or at risk of collapsing.
- Communities being unable to escape.
- Infrastructure not working, like gas, electricity and water.
- Lots of people requiring evacuation.
What should I do if my home’s about to be flooded?
- You may need to leave, so follow advice from your local council or emergency services.
- Turn off your gas, water and electric, only if safe – don’t touch electrics if you’re standing in water.
- Shut and lock windows and doors, leaving yourself an easy escape route.
- Take photos around your home, they could help with an insurance claim.
- Move your family, as well as pets and important items/documents upstairs.
- Move vehicles somewhere high up if possible and safe.
What should I do if there’s a severe flood warning in my area?
If a severe warning is issued, GOV.UK says you should:
- Stay in a safe place.
- Be prepared to leave your home.
- Do as the emergency services tell you.
- Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger.
What should I do after there’s been a flood in my home?
After a flood, it’s important you still take precautions to keep yourself and your home safe. For example, you should avoid fast-moving water and resist the urge to walk or drive through flood water as it can hide hazards such as dangerous debris, sewage or damaged electrical cables.
If you had to evacuate your home, there are some important things you’ll need to do when you’re ready to return:
Ask emergency services
To make sure it's safe before returning home.
Don't turn on your water, gas or electrics
Get your utilities company or a qualified engineer to check they're safe.
Get in touch with your insurance provider
They'll let you know the next steps.
Take
photos
This can show the extent damage and the flood water line.
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