It is your responsibility to manage your own flood risk and protect yourself, your family, property or business. There are steps you can take now to be prepared and to help reduce the damage and disruption it can have on your home, travel and work.
Stay Informed
There are a number of ways to stay informed about flooding in your area including flood forecasts, flood maps and national information websites. The official sites are Environment Agency, for England, as well as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, National Resources Wales, Ireland's national flood information portal and the Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland.
Flood maps allow you to check if your region is affected by flooding.
Steps to help prepare
Prepare a flood plan and a family emergency flood kit with essential items so that everyone in your household is equipped if flooding happens.
Find out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies.
Keep an easily accessible list of useful contact numbers including your insurance company and utility providers.
Consider flood protection products for your property and ensure your insurance provides adequate cover for flood damage.
Join or start a local community flood group. Working together to prepare your community for the impacts of flooding will help everyone to cope better.
Sample list for an emergency kit
A battery-operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch);
A battery-operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio);
A mobile phone charger;
Any essential medication, some toiletries and a first aid kit;
Three days' supply of bottled water and ready to eat food (that won't go off);
Copies of important documents
Blankets;
Pencil, paper, a penknife and a whistle;
Spare keys to your home and car;
Spare glasses or contact lenses;
Pet supplies;
Formula/baby food;
Putty or a repair clamp for fixing burst pipes.
A first aid kit;
Battery jump leads;
A map for unplanned diversions;
A blanket;
A reflective warning sign.
An ice scraper and de-icer;
A shovel for snow;
Warm clothes and boots;
Some food, and a warm drink in a flask.
What to do if flooding is forecast
Charge your mobile phone
Move vehicles out of the flood risk area
Move important documents and valuable items to a higher place.
Shut off gas, electricity and water supplies and fit any flood protection products to your property.
Check on vulnerable and elderly neighbours.
What to do during a flood
Avoid walking or driving through flood water - six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car
Do avoid any form of direct contact with flood water as it could be contaminated.
Do not use any electrical appliances.
Do move to higher ground and wait for the emergency services. Evacuate if told to do so.
Recovery from flooding
Find out from the emergency services if it is safe to re-enter your property.
Don’t turn on your electricity until it has been checked.
Be aware of the health effects caused by a flood. Wear appropriate clothing and protection as flood water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and be mindful of how the stress and traumatic feelings of loss can have an impact on your own and the mental wellbeing of others.
Contact your insurance company. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the damage caused to your home and valuables.
Make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs.
Croner have provided a adverse weather policy template, to help plan and prepare for bad weather.
