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Flood WARNING: What You Should Do Next
If you have received a Flood Warning from the Environment Agency, here are some quick reference steps that you should consider doing now:
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- Act on your flood plan if you have one.
- Move your family and pets to a safe place.
- Businesses should inform staff and customers, ensure that they can get to safety and move stock to a safe place.
- Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
- Use flood protection equipment, such as flood barriers, air brick covers and pumps to protect your property. Any equipment should be professionally supplied and installed to help reduce the impact of flood water.
- Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items of personal value that you will not be able to replace (such as family photographs). Next move valuables (such as computers), movable furniture and furnishings.
- You may need to leave your property, so pack a bag with enough items for a few nights away. Include essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance information, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies before flood water starts to enter your property. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.
- If it is safe to do so, make sure neighbours are aware of the situation and offer help to anyone who may need it.
- Listen to the advice of the emergency services and be ready to evacuate your property if told to do so. Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets.
- Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.
- Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.
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