Before, during and after a flood

Before a flood

Take steps to help reduce the effects of flooding on you and your family, property or business. Start by checking flood warnings on GOV.UK.

If there's a flood warning in the future you should start preparing for this.

Immediate risk of flooding

If there's an immediate risk of flooding, you should think about how to protect your home or business. You could:

• move your belongings upstairs if possible
• shut windows and doors to stop flood water coming in
  
• think about where you can go for safety, such as family or friends
• prepare emergency kit
  
• turn off your electricity, gas and water supply
  

Find out what else you can do if there's an immediate risk of flooding on the British Red Cross website.

During a flood

Keep updated

Get the latest information on flooding. You could:

• keep up to date with the latest flood warnings on GOV.UK
• follow the Environment Agency for updates on Twitter

After a flood

Accommodation

If you’ve had to leave your home because of flooding, you will need to check with the emergency services that it’s safe before you return.

For help with any accommodation or cleaning up, contact your insurance company. If you haven’t got insurance, get help and support from the National Flood Forum.

Cleaning up

Floodwater may contain harmful substances such as sewage, chemicals and other waste. Always wear gloves and a mask if possible when clearing up. Find more advice on cleaning up after a flood on the National Flood Forum.

You can ask your local fire service for help with pumping floodwater out of your property. They usually charge a fee for this. Check with your local fire and rescue service.

If you rent your property, your landlord will be responsible to help with cleaning and making it safe to return to.

Damaged belongings or sandbags can be taken to your local household waste site. Find your recycling centre.

Get more advice on how to recover after a flood on GOV.UK.