Flood-health action card for health and social care providers
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-health-and-social-care-providers
Who this action card is for
This flood-health action card summarises the suggested health-related actions that providers of health or social care should take to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding. It is intended primarily for:
- managers and staff in hospitals
- adult or children’s social care providers in care homes and other residential settings
- health and/or social care providers in the community operating from fixed sites such as GP surgeries
- services delivering care to people in their homes
These include actions to consider:
- supporting flood preparedness all year round
- pre-flood readiness and flood event preparedness
- responding to flooding
- recovering from flooding
The actions are illustrative. Providers 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 as part of wider preparedness and response to flooding.
In a clinical or care setting with a patient or client, staff should exercise professional judgement and respond appropriately to the patient’s needs. Staff should be aware of the potential effects of flooding on health, and when they notice a client or patient at risk of flood-related health effects, for example from exposure to materials or conditions that are hazardous to health, should know what immediate actions to take to ensure the patient’s safety. There should be clear guidelines for them to make other necessary arrangements (for example addressing housing issues) in the immediate and longer-term.
Not all actions recommended in this action card will apply to managers working in all of the settings listed above: actions are identified for specific settings where relevant. Managers and staff should carefully consider those actions that apply to the settings in which they work, for the health and wellbeing of their clients or patients and staff, and read this action card alongside guidance for social care, for healthcare settings, for people who sleep rough and others as appropriate.
About floods 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 is intended to support health and social care providers 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.
These cards ensure that health and social care providers can take coordinated steps to protect public health and maintain essential care services. Responses should be adapted according to the flood risk level communicated by the Environment Agency and in collaboration with local authorities.
Actions to consider all year round to support flood preparedness
Flood risk assessments
Ensure that health and social care facilities, particularly those housing vulnerable individuals, have current flood risk assessments and flood response plans in place. There are organisations that can help with flood risk assessments, including the Environment Agency, National Flood Forum and Lead Local Flood Authority.
Emergency planning
Develop emergency protocols that include evacuation plans, continuity of care and access to emergency medical supplies and equipment.
Staff training
Train staff on flood-related health risks, safe evacuation procedures and how to assist vulnerable individuals during flooding.
Infection control
Maintain protocols to address infections linked to flooding, such as waterborne diseases.
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 to scale up operations if necessary. Organisations should sign up to receive Environment Agency flood alerts and warnings.
Protect vulnerable populations
Identify at-risk individuals within your care and ensure they have emergency plans and necessary support in place. The Priority Service Register allows people to receive priority support to reinstate energy supply if disrupted. Householders can contact their insurer or Flood Re for more information on insurance that covers flooding.
Secure essential supplies
Ensure that facilities and home care services have access to clean drinking water, medications, hygiene products and personal protective equipment.
Communicate flood safety advice
Advise service users, patients and carers on flood safety measures, such as avoiding floodwater, preparing for potential evacuation and storing vital health supplies.
Actions to consider for flood response (during flooding)
Activate emergency plans
Mobilise staff and resources in response to flood alerts and warnings. Ensure that vulnerable individuals receive required assistance, whether they are in care facilities or in home care settings.
Evacuation support
If evacuation is required, ensure that transportation is available for those with health and mobility issues and that their medical needs are addressed during transit.
Health monitoring
Monitor for common flood-related health risks, including injuries, respiratory infections and mental health deterioration. Increase staffing at care facilities to manage the influx of patients with flood-related conditions.
Mental health support
Offer referral to immediate psychological support services to those affected by displacement, trauma or anxiety as a result of flooding where appropriate. NHS mental health services are available online and locally.
Actions to consider for flood recovery (after flooding)
Post-flood health checks
Ensure that individuals affected by flooding undergo health assessments to check for waterborne illnesses, respiratory issues due to mould exposure and mental health concerns.
Mould and environmental health risks
Advise service users and staff on cleaning procedures to reduce the risk of mould exposure which can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Work with local health protection teams to assess and address contamination in flood-affected areas.
Support for displaced individuals
Ensure that long-term care and support are available for individuals who have been displaced by flooding, focusing on maintaining access to essential services such as medication, mental health care and rehabilitation.
Long-term mental health interventions
Offer referral to ongoing mental health support for people experiencing long-term impacts from flooding, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) where appropriate. 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.
Other flood-health resources
Flooding and health – an overview
Environment Agency flood warnings
Adverse Weather and Health Plan Supporting Evidence Document