Flooding safety advice

Before a flood

• Register with the Environment Agency to receive flood warnings.
• View the Environment Agency's flood summary information for your area.
• Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate and how you will get there. 
• Make a flood plan and get guidance on producing a flood plan template. 
• Think about who can look after your pets.
• Have any essential medication to hand.
• Ask us for sandbags or buy sandbags/aqua sacs from a local builders merchants. 
• Have food and other supplies in your home that will help you cope should you be unable to evacuate.
• Buy flood insurance to protect your home and belongings.
• Turn off your water, gas and electricity. Your utility providers should be able to tell you how to do this.
• Move valuable/irreplaceable items to upper floors.

During a flood

• When you tell us about a flood we will help where we can. We will send sandbags and staff to help if possible and then investigate the source of the flood to reduce future risks. Report flooding to us using the details at the bottom of the page. 
• Check on neighbours who may need help or who can help you.
• Do not enter flood water on foot or in a vehicle. You don't know what is under the surface or how fast it is flowing. It can also make you ill.
• Don't go near any electrical sockets if you are standing in water.

After a flood

• Don't turn your gas or electricity on until they have been checked by a qualified technician.
• Call your water company to ask if your water is safe to drink and wash in.
• Make sure your house is properly ventilated if you are using indoor heaters to dry your home. Avoid petrol or diesel generators as their fumes are poisonous.
• Don't eat anything that has touched flood water.
• Wash your hands regularly and clean kitchen work surfaces before you use them.
• Take photographs and call your insurance company.