Flooding can come from several sources including rivers, coastal waters, groundwater, surface water or sewage surcharges. There are a number of things you can do in advance to prepare for flooding and to minimise its effects.
- Find out if your property is within the flood risk area by logging on to the Environment Agency website or calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
- Register for the Environment Agency's free flood warning service if you are in a flood risk area.
- Know the flood warning code and what the flood warnings mean
- Know what to do to protect your property during a flood, prepare now by buying and installing flood products in advance
- Check your buildings and contents insurance covers you for flooding
- Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate and how you will get there.
- Identify neighbours who may need assistance or who may be able to provide assistance to you, in case of evacuation.
- Have supplies in your home that will enable you to cope for up to 3 days if you are unable to evacuate.
- Where possible, move valuable/irreplaceable items to upper floors during times of flood risk.
- Find out how to turn off your gas, water and electricity supplies
More information can be found on the Environment Agency website on:
- whether you are risk of flooding
- how you can prepare
- how to sign up for flood alerts
- what to do when it floods, and
- clearing up after a flood.
More specific information from the Environment Agency on flooding from groundwater