For up to date information call Floodline on 0845 988 1188
When a Flood Strikes
In the unfortunate event of your property being flooded, here are a few simple steps that you can do to mitigate the stress and damage.
- Keep up-to-date with the situation by listening to local radio or calling the Floodline on 0845 988 1188
- If possible move to a safe place where you, your family and your pets can keep away from the flood water
- Take your Survival Kit with you. This should include warm clothes, blankets, any medication you need, a torch, food supplies, a mobile phone and a battery operated or wind-up radio. See Flood Plan and survival kit
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains
- Move electrical items and valuables to a first floor or higher position
- If possible move furniture and furnishings to the first floor or off the floor
- Remember that it is dangerous to attempt to walk or drive through any depth of flood water
- Without endangering yourself, contact elderly, disabled or infirm neighbours, reassure them and relay their situation to the emergency services
- Reassure others, particularly children
- Wait for the emergency services
If you are caught outside or have to travel:
- Flooding can kill. Don't try to walk or drive through floodwater - six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over
- Don't walk on sea defences, riverbanks or try to cross river bridges - they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves
- Take care when walking through shallow water - manhole covers may have come off and there may be other underwater hazards
- Avoid contact with flood water - it may be contaminated with sewage
- Never try to swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or struck by an object in the water
- Beware of flooding at dips in the road, bridges and low spots - turn back if the road is flooded
- Beware of pebbles and stones being thrown up by waves - they may hit you or your car
It is also useful to have the following items available for cleaning up afterwards:
- Wellington boots or waders
- Heavy duty waterproof gloves
- Brushes
- Disinfectant
- Buckets
- Contact numbers for local tradesmen
- Contact numbers for local equipment hire outlet