Flood-health action card for commissioners
Published 27 March 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-health-action-cards/flood-health-action-card-for-commissioners
Who this action card is for
This flood-health action card summarises the suggested health-related actions that commissioners of health and social care should take to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding. The intended audience includes:
- commissioners of health and social care services
- local authorities
- directors of public health
- integrated care systems
These include actions to consider:
- supporting flood preparedness all year round
- pre-flood readiness and preparedness
- responding to flooding
- recovering from flooding
The actions are illustrative. Commissioners should work with organisations such as the Environment Agency, NHS England, local authorities, local health resilience partnerships (LHRPs) and local resilience forums (LRFs) to ensure that local plans are developed and in place for future flooding as part of wider preparedness and response.
About flooding and health: who is at risk
Flooding can cause a range of health impacts, including physical injury, waterborne diseases, mental health issues and through disruption to medication access and wider health and social care services.
Populations such as older people (aged 65 and over), children and people with pre-existing health conditions may be especially vulnerable during and after flooding. However, it should not be assumed that having a risk factor, or factors, automatically implies vulnerability – a person with a risk factor may have resilience if they are prepared and/or have appropriate support.
Immediate risks include drowning, trauma and infections from contaminated water, while long-term effects may include respiratory illnesses due to mould growth and psychological distress that can extend beyond the flood event itself.
About the flood-health action card
This card provides commissioners with practical actions to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding. They are designed to minimise the health risks associated with flooding and ensure a coordinated response across health and care systems.
Using the flood-health action card
Flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency are used to show the level of flood risk in different areas of England. Actions outlined in this card can be initiated before, during and after flooding. However, health services must align responses accordingly.
Commissioners should prepare for flooding by working with local partners, ensuring health services are ready to protect the most vulnerable and coordinating with emergency services before, during and after flooding.
Actions to consider all year round to support flood preparedness
Local and community planning
Ensure flood risk assessments are up to date for health and care facilities and at-risk communities. Review flood plans with local resilience forums and ensure they are considered within service risk assessments. The UK Community Resilience Development Framework can assist.
Preparedness awareness
Raise awareness among the public (especially vulnerable groups), patients and caregivers about flood preparation, including safeguarding of homes, evacuation routes and emergency contacts. There are organisations that can help with flood preparedness, including the Environment Agency, National Flood Forum and Lead Local Flood Authority.
Infrastructure checks
Ensure property and critical infrastructure (for example hospitals and care homes) are resilient to flooding and equipped with emergency supplies such as drinking water, medications and personal protective equipment. Property flood resilience (PFR) gives homes and businesses the tools to manage the impact that flooding has on their property and their lives. Householders and building owners or occupiers can contact their insurer or Flood Re for more information on insurance that covers flooding.
Flood-health risk campaigns
Promote community awareness of flood-related health risks, including infection prevention and mental health support services.
Actions to consider for flood preparedness (before flooding)
Monitor flood alerts and warnings
Work with the Environment Agency and local authorities to track flood forecasts and prepare health services for potential impacts. Organisations should sign up to receive Environment Agency flood alerts and warnings.
Identify those at risk
Ensure registers of vulnerable people are updated and support is ready in the event of evacuation.
Stock supplies
Ensure sufficient medical supplies, clean water and hygiene materials are available in case of flooding.
Communicate early warnings
Disseminate public health messaging, advising people to avoid floodwater and prepare homes for potential flooding.
Actions to consider for flood response (during flooding)
Activate response plans
Implement emergency flood plans and ensure health services are fully mobilised to address health risks. Prioritise vulnerable populations for evacuation or support.
Health surveillance
Increase monitoring for injuries, infections, and contamination of drinking water supplies. Coordinate with the Environment Agency, local healthcare providers and local authorities to manage floodwater hazards through multi-agency structures.
Emergency shelters
Ensure that temporary shelters are equipped with health services, sanitation and mental health support.
Mental health support
Offer referral to immediate psychological support services for those affected by displacement, trauma and anxiety from flooding where appropriate. NHS mental health services are available online and locally.
Actions to consider for flood recovery (after flooding)
Post-flood health checks
Commission health screenings for waterborne diseases and respiratory conditions due to mould exposure and ensure cases of waterborne infection are reported by local health protection teams if identified. Ensure that those affected by flooding receive ongoing medical care and support.
Mental health interventions
Commission long-term mental health support for flood survivors, focusing on trauma, depression and anxiety. A small proportion of people may require access to specialist mental healthcare. This can be accessed through GPs or by self-referring to a local NHS Talking Therapies service.
Public health advice
Issue guidance on safe cleaning practices to reduce exposure to contaminants in homes and workplaces, including mould and sewage contamination. People affected by flooding can contact their local authority for questions about recovering from a flood, such as disposing of used sandbags or damaged furniture.
Infrastructure recovery
Ensure that critical health and social care facilities are restored as soon as possible and conduct risk assessments, debriefs and evaluations to reduce future flood impacts.
Other flood-health resources
Flooding and health – an overview
Environment Agency flood warnings
Adverse Weather and Health Plan Supporting Evidence Document
UK Community Resilience Development Framework reference tool