Floods can happen quickly and with little or no warning. If you live in a flood risk area, it’s important to think ahead and consider what actions you could take to prepare in advance.
When a flood happens, there may be very limited time to act, so take some time now to think about what you might need to do.
You should consider what things you would move first and whether to keep some things upstairs/high up as a precaution. You might find it useful to complete a flooding checklist.
What to do if there’s a flood on the way:
- Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place
- Keep a flood kit ready
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so
- Put flood protection equipment in place
Sign up to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour Flood Warning Service to recieve direct warnings by telephone, text or email. Visit www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or phone Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Prepare Act Survive
The Environment Agency has a three-tier flood warning system, which offers the following advice:
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
The Environment Agency’s Flood Information service provides up-to-date information about flooding and provides a 24-hour flood warning service for properties at risk from river flooding.
A few Flooding Facts
- Just 15cm of fast flowing water can knock you off your feet
- Electric currents can pass along downed power lines in flood waters
- A car can float in just 60cm of standing water or 30cm of moving water
- Flash floods can cause walls of water 10 to 20 feet high
Flood Protection
During flooding, some local authorities may be able to provide sandbags to properties which are most at risk. Supply cannot be guaranteed as resources are limited so you should contact your local authority for more information. If your local authority doesn’t supply sandbags, you can buy unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand from most DIY stores and builders merchants.
There are other ways you may be able to protect your property, using flood protection equipment such as flood boards and doors or seals for airbricks. For more information, visit nationalfloodforum.org.uk or www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding.
Useful contacts for further information
- For all weather updates and weather warnings check www.metoffice.gov.uk.
- To report flooding from water mains or public sewers, call Yorkshire Water on 0345 122 24 24.
- To find out what flood warnings are currently in force, and for advice and information, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.