Flood Advice - When a flood strikes

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 floodwater.
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 floodwater.
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 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 floodwater - 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 roads, 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 available for cleaning up afterwards: