What to do in a flood

Safety

If a flood warning or severe flood warning has been issued you should turn off electricity, gas, and water supplies if it is safe to do so. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water. There is more information below on what actions to carry out, depending on whether a flood alert or flood warning has been issued. 

It is important that you avoid walking or driving through floodwater. 30cm (1 foot) of fast-moving floodwater can move cars and shallow, moving water can knock you off your feet. There could also be hazards that you are not able to see, such as manholes covers that could have lifted, sharp or heavy debris, dangerous chemicals and sewage. Wash your hands if you have been in contact with flood water containing chemicals or sewage.

What to do if a flood warning is issued

If a flood warning has been issued for your area this means that flooding is expected, and you should act.
You should do all the actions for the flood alert and:

• Turn off gas, water, and electricity if it is safe to do so. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water. 
• Move your things upstairs or to safety.
• Move your family and pets to safety.
• Move your car to high ground if it is safe to do so.
• If you have Property Flood Resilience measures that need to be installed, such as flood barriers, air brick covers, or toilet bungs, these should be used now.