Emergency

Flooding

What to do before, during and after flooding in the UK: check your risk, act on warnings and stay safe from moving water.

WHAT TO DO NOW

1Check your flood risk and current warnings at the Environment Agency's Check for Flooding service.
2Move people, pets, medicines and important documents upstairs or to a high place.
3Turn off gas, electricity and water at the mains if it is safe and you have time.
4Never walk or drive through flood water — just 30cm of moving water can float a car; 15cm can knock you off your feet.
5Call 999 if there is danger to life; follow instructions from emergency services.
6If told to evacuate, take your grab bag and go.

What not to do

Do not walk, drive or swim through flood water.
Do not touch electrics or sources of ignition if there is standing water.
Do not let children or pets play in flood water — it can be contaminated.

What is it?

Flooding happens when water overwhelms normally dry land — from rivers, the sea, surface water/heavy rain, or groundwater. It is the most common natural hazard in the UK.

What might happen?

Fast-rising or deep water, damage to homes and roads, loss of power, contaminated water, and being cut off. Flood water may contain sewage, chemicals and hidden hazards.

First 10 minutes

Check warnings. Move valuables, medicines and people upstairs. Prepare to switch off utilities. Get your grab bag.

First hour

Act on Flood Warnings. Put flood protection products in place if you have them. Move your car to higher ground. Keep monitoring official updates and be ready to leave.

First 24 hours

Avoid flood water. If your home floods, wait for it to recede before cleaning; wear protective clothing; take photos for insurance. Boil or use bottled water if advised.

If it continues for several days

Follow recovery guidance; ventilate and dry the property; contact your insurer; be alert to structural and health risks. Sign up for free flood warnings for the future.

Children

Keep children away from flood water and reassure them. Prepare a small bag of comforts if you may need to leave.

Older & vulnerable people

Help vulnerable neighbours move upstairs or evacuate early; ensure medication and mobility aids come too.

Pets

Take pets with you if you evacuate; never leave them chained or in a basement. Pack pet food, water and a carrier.

Communications

Official sources

This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.

Environment Agency — Check for Flooding Published 2025-01-01
GOV.UK — Prepare Published 2024-06-01
Met Office Published 2025-01-01