Use this guide in autumn, when storms become more likely, or if you have moved to a new area. Have your postcode, your home insurance details and a bag or box for important documents ready.
Step by step
Check your flood risk
Use the official long-term flood risk check on GOV.UK for England, Natural Resources Wales for Wales, SEPA for Scotland or NI Direct for Northern Ireland. Look at risk from rivers, the sea and surface water, as heavy rain can flood homes far from any river. Note the result and what it means for your street.
Sign up for flood warnings
Register for the free flood warning service run by the relevant agency for your nation, which can send alerts by phone, text or email. Add a relative's number too if they would help you. Also check the Met Office for severe weather warnings when storms are forecast.
Write a simple flood plan
Write down how to turn off gas, electricity and water, where your insurance documents are and who you would call. Decide where you would go and how you would move pets. Keep a copy on paper as well as on your phone.
Pack a grab bag
Put together a waterproof bag with a torch, spare batteries, a phone charger or power bank, medicines, copies of key documents, some cash and warm clothes. Keep it somewhere upstairs or easy to reach. Check it every few months.
Protect the outside of your home
Tie down or put away garden furniture, bins and trampolines before high winds. Make sure drains near your home are clear of leaves and report blocked road drains to your council. If you are at higher flood risk, look into flood doors, airbrick covers or non-return valves fitted by a specialist.
Act when a warning is issued
Move valuables, documents and electrical items upstairs and put flood protection in place. Turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so and water is about to enter. Never walk or drive through flood water, as it can hide hazards and be contaminated.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Flood risk for your postcode checked
- Signed up for free flood warnings
- Know how to turn off gas, electricity and water
- Written flood plan saved on paper and phone
- Grab bag packed and easy to reach
- Garden items secured before storms
- Insurance covers flood and storm damage
- Important documents copied and stored safely
Practical tips
- Take dated photos of each room and your belongings now, so an insurance claim is easier if damage happens later.
- Save your insurer's claims line and your electricity network's power cut number 105 in your phone before a storm.
- If you struggle to find flood cover, ask your insurer or a broker whether the Flood Re scheme applies to your home.
Common problems
Water is coming into your home and people are in danger.
Call 999 straight away. Move everyone, including pets, upstairs or to higher ground. Do not touch electrical sockets or appliances that are wet or standing in water.
Your home has been flooded and the water has gone down.
Contact your insurer before throwing anything away and take photos of all the damage. Do not use electrics or gas until a qualified electrician or Gas Safe registered engineer has checked them. Wear gloves and boots when cleaning, as flood water may be contaminated.
A fallen tree or damaged roof is causing danger after a storm.
Keep away from the area and from any fallen power lines. Call 105 for fallen power lines, or 999 if there is immediate danger. For roof damage, contact your insurer and use a reputable roofer once it is safe.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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