How to prepare for flooding

Flooding can be devastating - it poses a risk to life, property and vehicles, and can force people out of their homes. But by preparing in advance, you can help keep yourself, your home and your valuables safe, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

Is my area at risk of flooding?

If you're not sure whether you should prepare for flooding, you can check the long-term flood risk for your local area on GOV.UK.

If you like, you can sign up to get free flood warnings by phone, text or email too. There are three different levels of warning:

• a flood alert means you need to prepare
• a flood warning means you should take action
• a severe flood warning means there's a danger to life.

Sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email on GOV.UK

How do I create a flood plan?

Planning ahead can save you valuable time, protect your belongings, and reduce the impact on your property in the event of a flood.

Here are some simple things you can do to prepare:

• store irreplaceable or valuable items upstairs or, if you live in a bungalow, as high up as possible (on shelves, for instance)
• buy large sealable bags to protect items
• find out how to turn off your gas and electricity supply
• prepare a flood kit that you can easily reach in an emergency
• find out if there's a flood warden or a community-based flood group in your area.

If you're already getting some general repair work done to your home, you could consider flood-safe options, like raised electrical sockets and water-resistant skirting boards.