Flooding
- Alan Jones
- May 1
- 4 min read
Flooding can be a terrifying and dangerous event. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood can significantly improve safety and reduce damage. Here's a comprehensive guide:
Before a Flood: Preparation is Key
Know your flood risk: Check online resources (e.g., gov.uk flood information service, local council websites) to see if your area is at risk from rivers, the sea, surface water, or groundwater.
Sign up for flood warnings: Register for free flood warnings via phone, text, or email from the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales, or SEPA (Scotland). These alerts provide crucial time to prepare.
Create a flood plan: This is vital for your household or business. It should include:
Useful contact numbers (emergency services, local council, utility providers, insurance company, family/friends).
How to turn off your gas, electricity, and water supplies safely.
Where to move valuable belongings (upstairs, high shelves, car).
A plan for moving family members, pets, and vehicles to safety.
Who you could ask for help, and if you can offer help to vulnerable neighbours.
Pack a flood kit (or "grab bag"): Keep this in an easily accessible, waterproof bag. Include:
Copies of insurance documents and important phone numbers.
Torch with spare batteries.
First aid kit and any prescription medications.
Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
Bottled water and non-perishable food.
Battery or wind-up radio.
Baby care items and pet supplies if applicable.
Cash, phone charger, and power bank.
Rubber gloves, wellington boots, face masks, and hand sanitiser.
Check your insurance: Confirm your home and contents insurance covers flooding. Understand what your policy covers (e.g., temporary accommodation, new for old replacement, limits on repairs). Take photos of your property and make a list of your belongings before a flood.
Property resilience: Consider making changes to your property to reduce flood damage, such as:
Laying tiles instead of carpets on ground floors.
Moving electrical sockets higher up walls.
Installing non-return valves to prevent water entering through drains.
Using flood protection products like flood barriers or air brick covers.
Know how to turn off utilities: Locate your gas shut-off valve (usually near your gas meter), mains electricity cut-off (on your fuse board, typically a red switch), and water stopcock (often under the kitchen sink or where the water pipe enters your home). If you're unsure, contact your suppliers for guidance.
During a Flood: Stay Safe
Prioritise safety: Your safety and the safety of your family and pets come first.
Call 999 immediately if there's a danger to life.
Follow emergency services advice: Listen to local council and emergency services instructions, especially if you are asked to evacuate. Evacuate promptly if advised; delaying can endanger you and responders.
Do NOT walk, swim, or drive through floodwater:
Walking: Floodwater can hide hazards like open manholes, broken glass, sharp objects, or uneven surfaces. Even shallow water can knock you off your feet, especially if it's fast-flowing. It can also be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and animal waste.
Driving: Just 30cm (1 foot) of moving water can float a car, and two feet can carry most vehicles away. Never ignore "Road Closed" signs. If you must drive slowly through very shallow, still water, be aware you might create a "bow wave" that could damage properties.
Turn off utilities (if safe): If floodwater is about to enter your home, turn off your gas, electricity, and water supplies at the mains. Do NOT touch electrical switches if you are standing in water.
Move to higher ground: If you have to remain in your property, move your family, pets, and important items upstairs.
Avoid contact with floodwater: If contact is unavoidable, wear rubber boots and gloves.
Stay clear of fast-flowing water: Avoid getting close to swollen rivers or the sea during storm surges. Moving water is incredibly powerful.
Avoid using electrical items: Do not touch electrical items or outlets if you are standing in water. Report any fallen or damaged power lines to your electricity company (call 105).
Check on vulnerable neighbours: If it's safe to do so, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
Do not use petrol generators indoors: These produce carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.19 Keep them outdoors and well-ventilated.
If you fall into floodwater: "Float first." Fight the instinct to swim immediately. Float on your back with your feet pointing downstream to push away debris. Control your breathing. Once calm, gently kick to the side to move to safety.
After a Flood: Recovery and Rebuilding
Safety first upon returning:
Only return to your property when emergency services confirm it's safe.
Do not turn on gas, electricity, or water until they have been checked by a qualified engineer or utility company.
Be cautious of structural damage. If you see cracks or other signs, seek professional advice.
Be aware of hidden hazards like holes, sharp objects, or slippery mud. Wear rubber boots and gloves.
Keep children and pets out of affected areas until cleanup is complete.
Contact your insurance company immediately: This is a crucial first step. Take photographs or video footage of all damage before you start any cleanup or disposal. Mark the water levels on the walls. Do not dispose of any items until your insurer gives approval. Keep detailed records of all communication and expenses.
Cleanup and disinfection:
Wear protective clothing (rubber boots, waterproof gloves, apron, face mask).
Remove stagnant water and mud. Ensure external water levels are lower than inside before pumping water out to avoid structural damage.
Clean and disinfect all affected surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water and appropriate disinfectants (e.g., diluted bleach, following manufacturer instructions). Ventilate the area well.
Discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater.
Wash soft items (clothing, bedding, toys) on a high temperature cycle. Wash cleaning clothes separately.
Dispose of contaminated items responsibly. Your local council can advise on hazardous waste disposal and provide skips.
Drying out your home: This can take weeks or months. Good ventilation (open windows on dry days, remove air brick covers) is essential. Dehumidifiers, fans, and central heating (once checked by an engineer) can assist, but don't dry too quickly as it can cause structural damage.
Seek support: Flooding is incredibly stressful.20 Talk to family and friends. Your local council may offer support or know about charities that can help. The National Flood Forum and British Red Cross also offer advice and support.
Check for future flood warnings: Even after the immediate flood, water levels can rise and fall, and further rainfall can cause new issues. Stay informed.
Remember, every flood situation is unique, so always prioritise your safety and follow advice from official sources and emergency services.
