Here’s some advice on what you can do to protect yourself and your property in the event flooding does occur.

• Follow the Plan you made in preparation – focusing on practical steps can help to keep people calm.

• Always put in place any flood protection equipment you have as soon as possible, don’t wait until the floodwater is actually in sight.

• Move family members and any pets to an upper floor, if available.

• Check on any vulnerable neighbours, friends or relatives.

• Move irreplaceable items (photo albums, family films or treasured mementos) to an upper floor or the highest possible shelf.

• Stay tuned in to TV/ local radio station and check social media, as additional information and advice may be announced by any or all of these methods.

• Be prepared to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies (if still safe to do so)

• Follow the advice of the emergency services/local authorities – if you are instructed to evacuate your property, encourage all family members to do so quickly but calmly. Don’t forget to take the Grab Bag with you!

• Your local council’s emergency planning team will have set up evacuation centres, where free food and bedding is provided.

• Contact your insurer(s) as soon as possible – most of them have 24-hour emergency help lines. If you rent your property, then contact the landlord as soon as practicable.

• Always stay out of floodwater unless absolutely unavoidable – 6in (15cm) of flowing water is enough to sweep an adult off their feet.

• Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger
More on help during a flood can be found here:

Government Advice
Also check your local council’s website – most will have additional information and advice relevant to emergency planning for your area.