What to do in a flood

What the flood warnings mean

We issue 3 levels of flood warning:

Flood alert - Prepare

  • prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents
  • check flood warnings

Flood warning - Act

  • turn off gas, water and electricity
  • move things upstairs or to safety
  • move family, pets and car to safety

Severe flood warning - Survive

  • call 999 if in immediate danger
  • follow advice from emergency services
  • keep yourself and your family safe

All floods are different and you should take advice from the emergency services and your local authority if you’re in a flood.

What to do if you get a flood alert

A flood alert means you need to prepare: flooding is possible.

If you haven’t already done so, you should:

  • sign up for flood warnings
  • keep up to date with the latest flood risk situation - call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter for the latest flood updates
  • have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home
  • check you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
  • plan how you'll move family and pets to safety

What to do if you get a flood warning

A flood warning means you need to act: flooding is expected. You should do all the actions for a flood alert, but also:

  • move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so
  • move family and pets to safety
  • move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings
  • turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
  • if you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now
  • keep track of the latest flood risk situation

What to do if you get a severe flood warning

A severe flood warning means there is danger to life: you must act now.

  • call 999 if you’re in immediate danger
  • follow advice from the emergency services and evacuate if you’re told to do so
  • make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items you may need
  • alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so
  • avoid driving or walking through flood water: just 30cm (1 foot) of fast flowing water could move your car and even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet
  • keep your family and pets away from floodwater – it may contain heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals
  • wash your hands if you’ve been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances