Environment Agency flood warnings
A flood alert means that flooding is possible and you should prepare.
Actions to be taken include:
• Keeping up to date with flood alerts and warnings.
• Preparing a flood pack that includes medicines and insurance documents, and have this ready in case you have to leave your home.
• Checking that you know how to, and are safely able to, turn off your gas, electricity, and water supplies.
A flood warning means flooding is expected and you should act.
Actions to be taken during a flood warning include all actions for the flood alert, as well as:
• Turning off gas, water and electricity if it is safe to do so. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.
• Moving things upstairs or to safety.
• Moving family and pets to safety.
• Moving your car to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
• If you have Property Flood Resilience measures that need to be installed, such as flood barriers, air brick covers, or toilet bungs, these should be used now.
A severe flood warning means there is a danger to life and you must act now.
Actions to be taken during a severe flood warning include:
• Calling 999 if you are in immediate danger.
• Following advice from emergency services and evacuating if you have been told to.
• Making sure you have your flood pack.
• Avoiding driving or walking through floodwater. Just 30cm (1 foot) of fast flowing water can move cars and shallow, moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Alerting neighbours and offering help if it is safe to do so.
• Keeping your family and pets safe and away from floodwater. Floodwater can contain hazards that you cannot see for example, heavy debris, sharp objects, manhole covers that have lifted, sewage and chemicals.
• Washing your hands if you have been in contact with floodwater that may contain toxic substances or sewage.
