In the event of a flood
Focus on the safety of you and your family
• Put people before property.
• Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding.
• Be prepared to act quickly to get yourself to safety.
What to do in an emergency
Listen to and act on the advice of the emergency services. Follow these simple steps to stay safe.
1. Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.
2. Fill jugs and saucepans with clean water.
3. Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape.
4. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
5. Keep listening to local radio for updates or call Floodline 0845 988 1188.
6. Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.
Important! Flood water is dangerous
• Avoid walking or driving through it.
• Keep children and vulnerable people away from it.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.
Protect what you can
Move important items to safety and put flood protection equipment in place when there is a flood warning. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully to help stop the flood water.
Take items upstairs or to a high point in your property
• Safely store important documents such as insurance papers.
• Move items of personal value such as photos, family videos or treasured mementos.
• Move lightweight household belongings you can pick up easily and quickly.
• Move items of furniture that are expensive or harder to repair before cheaper ones.
If possible, move your outside belongings to higher ground
• If the flood water hasn’t reached you, move your car to higher ground and move outdoor pets to safety.
Help stop water entering your home
• Put plugs in sinks and baths. Weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object.
If you do not have non-return valves fitted
• Plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths.
• Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers).
Always evacuate when told
Stay safe, always listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when told to do so.
• Leave your home if the emergency services say so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.
• When you are evacuated you will be taken to an evacuation centre run by your local council. Free food and bedding is provided. Bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items if you have an infant.
• Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets. Take their food. Put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box.
• People running the centres are trained to give you support and advice. They will help you through the stress of a flood and prepare you for what to do afterwards.