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Home and community

What to do if a flood happens

Flood warnings let you know when a flood is about to happen. They are not meant to cause panic and will, wherever possible, be given in enough time before a flood occurs to help you prepare for it.

What to do when you hear a flood warning

  • listen out for warnings on radio and TV and phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information
  • move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety
  • alert your neighbours, particularly the elderly
  • put sandbags or flood boards in place, but make sure your property is ventilated; plug sinks/baths and put a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow
  • be ready to turn off gas and electricity (get help if needed); unplug electrical items and move them upstairs if possible
  • co-operate with emergency services and local authorities - you may be evacuated to a rest centre
  • do as much as you can in daylight; doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails

Stay safe in a flood

Floods can kill so don't try to walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car. Manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards you can't see.

Never try to swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or be struck by an object in the water.

Don't walk on sea defences, riverbanks or cross river bridges if possible - they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves. Beware of stones and pebbles being thrown up by waves.

Avoid contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated with sewage.

Steps to take after a flood

  • call your insurance company as soon as possible; they will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assistance in getting things back to normal
  • keep a record of the flood damage (especially photographs or video footage) and keep any correspondence with insurers after the flood
  • get immediate emergency pumping/repair work necessary to protect your property from further damage; this can be undertaken without insurer approval (remember to get receipts)
  • where detailed, lengthy repairs are needed, contact your insurer or loss adjuster to get advice on reputable contractors and tradesmen
  • check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as this cost is usually covered under a household policy
  • make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home

Cleaning up

Check with your local authority or health authority in the first instance or look under 'flood damage' in the phone book for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.

Remember to:

  • open doors and windows to ventilate the house but take care to ensure your house and valuables are secure
  • contact your gas, electricity and water company, have your power supplies checked before you turn them back on to make sure they have dried out
  • wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use; if you suspect your tap water to be contaminated, contact your local water company and boil water for twenty minutes before use
  • don't attempt to dry out photos or papers - place them in a plastic bag, and if possible store them in the fridge
  • throw away food which may have been in contact with floodwater - it could be contaminated.
  • don't think a flood can't happen again; restock your supplies so that you are prepared in case you are flooded again.

Recovering from a flood can be very stressful so remember to take care of yourself and your family. Accept support from relatives, friends and neighbours. Talk openly about your feelings to release tension. Get proper food and rest. Pace yourself, take one step at a time and don't be afraid to ask for help. The Citizens Advice Bureau and other organisations may be able to help if you feel under pressure.

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