Preparation

Surface water flooding

🟡 Yellow: be aware

Bad weather is possible in the next few days. It might affect your travel or daily plans. Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to adjust.

🟠 Amber: be prepared

There’s a higher chance of severe weather. It could cause travel problems, power cuts, or even damage to property. Be ready to act and protect yourself and your home.

🔴 Red: take action

Dangerous weather is expected. There could be serious disruption and risk to life. Stay safe, avoid travel, and follow advice from emergency services.

What you can do before a flood

Plan ahead

• Learn about your flood risk – check if your area is at risk and what kind of flooding could happen.
• Look into flood protection products – like air brick covers, door barriers, or non-return valves to stop water coming in through pipes.
• Make a flood plan – so you know what to do and who to contact if flooding happens.

Who will you contact?

• Make a list of important phone numbers (family, friends, insurance, utilities).
• Agree on a meeting place and how to stay in touch.
• Think about who might need your help – and who could help you.

What should you move to safety?

• Move valuable or important items now – don’t wait for a flood.
• Keep documents and sentimental items in a safe, waterproof place.
• Don’t forget pets, cars, and electronics like TVs and computers.

Check your insurance

• Make sure your home and contents are covered for flooding.
• Check if your policy covers full repair costs and replaces items “new for old.”
• If you struggle to get insurance, look into Flood Re – a scheme that helps people in flood-risk areas get affordable cover.

Know your utilities

• Learn how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water.
• Label switches and taps to make them easy to find.
• Ask your energy provider for help if you’re unsure.

Prepare an emergency kit

Keep a bag of essentials ready in case you need to leave quickly. Include:

• List of emergency contacts
• Insurance documents
• Torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch)
• Battery or wind-up radio
• First aid kit and any medication
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• Baby supplies (if needed)
• Spare keys, wallet/purse, and ID

Other things to consider

• Water butts can provide a small scale flood storage and reduce the amount of water that would add to the ‘run off’ affecting your, or adjoining, property
• Consider more permeable surfaces such as grass and gravel to allow water to soak away naturally. This reduces ‘run off’ from hard surfaces such as tarmac that can cause flooding
• If you are building an extension or conservatory, patio or driveway, ensure that all surface water drainage will not add to the flood risk in your area. Consider permeable paving to allow water to soak through the surface for storage below and slow release into the ground or drainage system
• Ensure guttering, downpipes, drainage gates are not obstructed
• Ensure ditches are not obstructed and do not dump rubbish which can block the flow of water
• Improve drainage in areas already prone to flooding
• If you live in a flood risk area, consider more permanent flood preventative products such as flood proof doors, air brick covers, sewer brakes (to prevent backflow through the sewer system)