What to do before or during a flood
You can check for flooding in your area and sign up for flood warnings.
Find out what to do during a flood in Scotland, what to do during a flood in Wales and what to do during a flood in Northern Ireland.
If you’re about to be flooded
If your area has a flood warning (when flooding is expected) or severe flood warning (when there’s a danger to life):
- turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it’s safe to do so - do not touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
- move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground
- if you have them, use flood protection products, for example flood barriers or air brick covers
- follow advice from your local council or the emergency services - you may be asked to evacuate
If you have one, use your:
Find out more about flood alerts and warnings.
Get advice
You can get further advice on what to do and how to stay safe during a flood from the National Flood Forum or the British Red Cross.
You can also speak to a Floodline adviser.
Floodline
Telephone: 0345 988 1188
Textphone: 0345 602 6340
24-hour service
Find out about call charges
Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Get temporary accommodation
If your home is flood damaged and you’re not able to live there, contact your local council for help getting temporary accommodation.
If you need to travel
Check for flooding and get road traffic information.
Do not walk or drive through flood water. Flood water may contain sewage and hide rubbish, wreckage, uneven roads and pavements or broken drain and manhole covers.
Report a flood or an electrical, gas or sewage problem
To report:
- an electrical hazard or power cut, contact your local electricity company or call 105 (calls are free)
- a gas leak, contact National Gas
- an overflowing sewer, contact your water company
You can also report a flood or possible cause of flooding.
Pumping out water
You may need a permit to pump water out of a property. If you want to pump the water into:
- rivers, ditches or watercourses (for example a brook or mill stream), check with your local Environment Agency office
- public sewers, check with your water company
- street drains, highways of highway ditches, check with the local highways authority or National Highways
You can ask your local fire brigade for help pumping out water. They might charge a fee and can help you get a permit.
After a flood
Find out how to clean up after a flood.