Flooding can be frightening, but knowing what the warnings mean and preparing in advance makes a real difference.
The three levels of flood warning
- Flood alert — Prepare. Prepare a bag with medicines and insurance documents, and keep checking the flood warnings.
- Flood warning — Act. Turn off gas, water and electricity; move belongings upstairs or to safety; move family, pets and the car to safety.
- Severe flood warning — Survive. Call 999 if in immediate danger, follow the advice of the emergency services, and keep yourself and your family safe.
Prepare a grab bag
Keep a bag of essentials somewhere safe, ready to take if you have to leave in a hurry — spare medication, glasses, clothing, important documents, and contact details such as your insurance company's number.
Know how to turn off your utilities
Find out in advance how to turn off the gas, water and electricity:
- The gas shut-off valve is usually beside the meter
- The mains electricity cut-off is usually a big red switch on the fuse box — never attempt this while standing in water
- If you can't find your water stopcock, ask someone experienced or a plumber to help you
Protect your property
Check your insurance includes flood damage. Keep drains and gullies clear of debris, and consider longer-term steps such as tiled floors instead of carpet, sockets moved higher up the wall, and non-return valves to stop floodwater entering through the drains.
Staying safe during a flood
Floodwater has many hidden dangers. Fast-flowing water can sweep you off your feet and may hide drains, holes and submerged objects, and it can be contaminated with sewage. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking near it, and never follow a pet into floodwater.
Never use appliances indoors that aren't designed for it — including gas cylinders, camping stoves and portable pumps — because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And never drive into floodwater: levels can rise quickly and sweep away a vehicle. Take another route, and never ignore a road-closed sign.
