You and your family are the priority.
There are general things you can do:
- call 999 if there is a risk to life
- keep safe and warm
- consider vulnerable neighbours
- always follow advice from emergency services
- listen to local radio stations on a battery or wind-up radio
- call Floodline on 0345 988 1188
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on X/Twitter
- remember that flood water is contaminated
In your home, there are many precautions to consider:
- if safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your home
- if a flood is likely, put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down
- block the toilet with a removable bag of sand or soil
- fit air brick covers, flood boards or sandbags
- do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
- do not smoke, eat or drink when in contact with floodwater
- wash your hands after handling sandbags, as they may be contaminated by the flood water
- secure your property and if it is safe to do so, remove your family and pets to a safe location
- do not enter your property if there is raw sewage in it and seek alternative accommodation until it has been cleaned out
- do not let your children play in flood water as it may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals
- if you use a petrol or diesel pump to remove water from your property, make sure the generator is positioned outside and your windows are closed to the fumes
- do not try to walk through flooded areas, as even fast-moving shallow water can sweep you off your feet and there may be hidden dangers, such as open manhole covers, damaged road surfaces or submerged debris
- do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary
Motorist considerations include:
- do not drive through flood water, as even a foot of floodwater can float a vehicle or hide debris and your vehicle may be swept away in fast moving water, or you may become stranded
- flood water may contain sewage and by driving through it you will spread this sewage onto your car and to surrounding streets