During a flood
If there is a risk to life, a serious risk to property or to the environment, call 999.
During a flood you SHOULD
- Keep up to date about the weather and risks to your property using radio, TV, web, or social media
- Keep outside drains clear to let surface water escape
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your property (if it's safe to do so)
- Put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down to stop water overflowing into your home
- Wash your hands whenever they come into contact with flood water as they may be contaminated
- Look after your neighbours - even in the summer, people can suffer from hypothermia after their homes have become flooded with cold rainwater
- Be careful if you have a private water supply. Flooding can affect its quality and damage equipment. Boil it before drinking or using it for food preparation
- If your home has been flooded, move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape. Take your emergency grab bag with you
- If you're using a petrol or diesel water pump, put the generator outside and keep your doors and windows closed
- Use a carbon monoxide detector in your home - generators produce carbon monoxide fumes which can kill
During a flood you SHOULD NOT
- Touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
- Enter your home if there is raw sewage in it - stay somewhere else until it has been cleaned
- Smoke, eat or drink whilst in contact with flood water (always wash your hands in clean water before doing so)
- Let your children play in flood water, it can become contaminated with sewage and chemicals
- Use towpaths
- Walk through flooded areas - even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet. There may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels - these can cause serious injuries or even death
- Travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary
- Drive through flooded roads or areas
Do NOT drive through flood waters
- 80% of flood deaths happen in vehicles as the water is deeper than it looks and moving fast
- Your vehicle may be swept away, or you may become stranded. Four inches of water is enough to stop a car
- Driving through flood water can spread sewage onto your car and into streets
Page last updated: 14 June 2023
