Flood-health action card for the voluntary and community sector
Published 27 March 2025
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Who this action card is for
This flood-health action card summarises the suggested health-related actions that voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations should take to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding.
The VCS covers a wide variety of organisations ranging from broad-based providers, emergency response organisations and campaigning organisations through to representative groups, community centres, parish councils and neighbourhood forums among many others. It includes organisations focusing on:
- particular conditions
- particular types of service provision
- specific client groups or communities
Actions outlined in this card include those to consider:
- all year round to support flood preparedness
- for pre-flood readiness and preparedness
- for responding to flooding
- for recovering from flooding
The actions are illustrative. Organisations including NHS England, local authorities, local health resilience partnerships (LHRPs) and local resilience forums (LRFs) should develop frameworks and plans for how voluntary, community and third-sector organisations are involved in the development of local plans in place for future flooding as part of wider preparedness and response.
When working with a patient in a clinical or care setting, staff and volunteers should exercise their judgement and respond appropriately to their needs. Staff and volunteers should be aware of the effects of flooding on health, and when they notice someone is at risk of flood-related health effects, for example from exposure to materials or conditions that are hazardous to health, they should ensure that they know what immediate actions to take to ensure safety. Managers should ensure that there are clear guidelines for staff and volunteers to make other necessary arrangements (for example, addressing housing issues) in the immediate and longer term.
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 (those 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 provide those in the VCS 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 on this card can be initiated before, during and after flooding. However, health services must align responses accordingly.
The VCS plays a crucial role in flood preparedness, response and recovery. These action cards outline how VCS organisations can help mitigate health risks, support vulnerable populations and collaborate with local authorities and health services.
Actions to consider all year round to support flood preparedness
Community preparedness
Engage in community flood risk assessments and help residents and other VCS organisations to understand flood risks in their area. There are organisations that can help with community flood preparedness, including the Environment Agency, National Flood Forum and Lead Local Flood Authority.
Public awareness campaigns
Support communities to consider and improve flood preparation, including emergency planning, health risks and safe evacuation practices. Help maintain awareness over time as new residents move in and risks change.
Volunteer training
Develop a training plan and train volunteers in flood response protocols, including first aid, mental health support and infection control. Work with those in other areas who have experience responding to flooding.
Support networks
Support local community networks such as Community Flood Action Groups to ensure that people at most risk from the health impacts of flooding can access aid quickly in the event of a flood. Householders can contact their insurer or Flood Re for more information on insurance that covers flooding.
Actions to consider for flood preparedness (before flooding)
Monitor flood alerts and warnings
Organisations should sign up to receive Environment Agency flood alerts and warnings and monitor reliable local news sources.
Identify at-risk communities
Work with local authorities to identify individuals or communities with higher vulnerability to the impacts of flooding and ensure they have appropriate flood plans in place.
Share flood safety advice
Help distribute information about flood preparedness, including avoiding contact with floodwater, securing homes and gathering essential supplies.
Support volunteer network coordination
Prepare volunteers to assist with evacuation, provision of food and access to medical care for those who need support.
Actions to consider for flood response (during flooding)
Activate community emergency plans
Mobilise volunteers to assist vulnerable individuals with evacuation or staying safe in place. Provide shelter and essential supplies.
Help with health monitoring
Assist health services by checking on the health and wellbeing of those affected by flooding, reporting injuries or health concerns.
Mental health support
Offer referral for immediate mental health and emotional support for those displaced or distressed by the flooding where appropriate. NHS mental health services are available online and locally.
Actions to consider for flood recovery (after flooding)
Ongoing community health support
Continue supporting the health and wellbeing of those impacted, particularly those at risk of respiratory illnesses, infections and mental health issues.
Assist with recovery efforts
Help individuals in recovery from flooding and ensure that essential services (for example, clean water, food, medication) are available. 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. Residents who notice a change in drinking water quality can contact their local water company.
Long-term mental health support
Offer referral to long-term support for individuals dealing with psychological distress following flooding 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
Online module on community-centred approaches to health improvement