Preparing for a flood

Flooding can happen at any time and sometimes with little warning. Therefore preparation is key to making sure you, your family and your friends are safe, as well as reducing the damage to your home and treasured belongings.

Even before bad weather is forecast, on a quiet evening when you have some spare time there is one important task you can carry out…

Create a household emergency plan to help you deal quickly and effectively with an emergency situation, including flooding. Our Are you ready? guide includes important information on how to best prepare, as well as a template for a household emergency plan and what to include in a ‘grab bag’.

If a flood warning has been issued, follow the nine steps below to be as well prepared as you can be. Tick off each step to reveal the next.

Nine steps to being prepared

Step 1

Check your household plan, if you have already created one.

Step 2

Move people, pets, valuables, grab bag, sentimental items, electrical equipment and furniture upstairs or raise high off the floor. Make sure to also move your car to a safe or higher land level.

Step 3

See if you can stay with family or friends in a safe area. Remember to take your grab bag!

Step 4

Collect personal information together in a waterproof bag, including insurance details, bank details, essential telephone numbers (including your insurance company and Floodline 0345 988 1188).

Step 5

Make sure to turn off your gas and electricity before water enters your home.

Step 6

Alert neighbours and assist the elderly, infirm and those with small children if it is safe to do so.

Step 7

Block doorways and air bricks, and put in place any flood prevention products you may have.

Step 8

Do not walk or drive through floodwater as there could be hidden hazards!

Step 9

Keep up to date with your local news and radio stations for further information and announcements via Floodline (0345 988 1188).