Website of the UK government

Simple steps to protect yourself from flooding

Here are some simple steps you can take in advance of a flood:

• make sure you know where your gas, electricity and water mains are in advance of a flood
• store all electrical items as high up as possible
• think about permanently moving sentimental items upstairs, so you do not forget to move them if a flood happens
• keep important personal documents in a sealed bag, and in a location safe from floodwater
• move your car to higher ground to avoid damage
  

There's more information about protecting yourself and your belongings from flooding, including preparing flood defences, in the link below.

• Protecting your home from flooding (home and community section)

Advice for people affected by floods

The Health Protection Agency site, linked below, has practical advice on:

• protecting against infection
• how to clean up
• flushing toilets
• food preparation and storage
• drinking water, including for infants
• chemical hazards
• emergency generators

• Health Protection Agency: flooding advice Opens new window

Tips for coping with water shortages

• follow the advice of your local water company regarding the safety of tap water
• use bottled water or boiled bowser water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing food, cooking and making ice
• for those with babies and small infants: if mixing formula milk, use bowser or bottled water after it has been brought to the boil and cooled; alternatively, use ready-made formula milk; if you have no power, use unboiled bottled water, but use this feed immediately
• flush toilets only for faecal waste - you do not need to flush after urinating
• previously used water, for example, that from washing, bathing, or cooking, can be used to flush toilets - you can also use rainwater (for example, from rainwater butts) to flush toilets
• rainwater is never suitable for drinking as it may have been contaminated
• if the water company has advised that the domestic water supply is unsafe for drinking it is inadvisable to use this for bathing babies – bowser water or bottled water are safe alternatives
• baby wipes are a practical alternative to bathing for babies, small children and adults
• you should keep away from flood water and children should not play in it; if you have to go into flood water, wear suitable protective clothing like wellington boots

Getting the latest information and advice

To view the latest flood warnings in a particular area, you can either select from the list of available regions or use the search facility in the Floodline link below.

Flood warnings are categorised into either Flood Watch, Flood Warning, Severe Flood Warning or All Clear, all of which are explained on the site.

Also, remember that your local BBC radio station will update you on conditions and any actions you need to take where you live. Some areas have arranged flood appeal funds and volunteering activities, and you'll find information on these here too.

• Floodline England and Wales Opens new window
• Local BBC radio stations Opens new window

More useful links

• General flooding advice (home and community section)
• Journey planner and travel information (travel and transport section)
• Environment Agency Opens new window