Actions you should take before, during and after flooding

Before

• Make sure you have adequate insurance against flooding
• Visit the Environment Agency Flood Website (see Related Links below)and use the flood map to see if your home or property is at risk from fluvial floods
• Visit the Environment Agency Flood Website and become familiar with the Environment Agency Flood Warning System
• Contact the Environment Agency Floodline tel: 0845 9881188 and ask for an information pack. This will also inform you if you are eligible to sign up for the free flood warning system for fluvial floods (via telephone, mobile, fax or pager)
• Purchase flood protection equipment such as flood gates, flood boards and sandbags as listed on the Environment Agency website
• Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supply if necessary and know beforehand where to switch them off from

Imminent Flooding

• If available fill and position sandbags (do not overfill 3/4 is good)
• Block airbricks and other low level openings
• Notify neighbours and make sure they are informed
• Move valuable items upstairs
• Consider keeping pets indoors and move them upstairs
• Fill bottles with water and move them and food upstairs
• Prepare warm clothes, medication, torch, radios, pet carriers upstairs
• Assist elderly and vulnerable neighbours (the Local Authorities have a list of some vulnerable people within the county, but it is impossible to identify them all)
• Make sure you keep listening into the local radio or call the Environment Agency Floodline number tel: 0845 9881188 for information
• Be prepared to turn off your electricity, gas and water supply

During a Flood

• Only call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life
• Turn off the gas and electricity supply
• Do not enter the water unless it is absolutely safe to do so
• Stay in your home or property if it is safe to do so
• If your home or property is badly flooded, uninhabitable but is unsafe to leave go upstairs and await the Emergency Services (they will visit every house and evacuate/rescue if necessary)
• Try and go to family/friends if you have to leave
• If you have nowhere to go, listen to the local radio and information will be provided on the local of Emergency Reception Centres
• If you require assistance for evacuation (eg elderly, disabled, sick, nursing mothers etc call the Emergency Services)
• If you require any advice during the emergency listen to the local radio or a helpline if one is set up

After Flooding

• Do not enter the flood water unless it is absolutely necessary
• Do not attempt to clear up until you have contacted your insurance company (they will need to assess the damage first)
• Seek electrical and gas tests from your suppliers before you switch the electricity and gas back on
• Do not attempt to use electrical appliances as these may have been affected and could be dangerous
• Contact your water company if you notice any change in taste or colour in your tap water
• Dispose of items legally such as affected carpets, cushions, curtains, toys, food if they have been exposed to sewage
• Visit the Flood Information Centre, which will have been set up. Details will be given out in local papers, TV and radio
• Assist vulnerable neighbours
• Contact the Environment Agency to see how you can defend your property against future flooding.

Back to "Guide to Flooding"