How to prepare for flooding

What you can do to prepare for a flood.

Check your flood risk

You could still be at risk of flooding even if your area has not flooded in the past.

Giving yourself enough time to prepare for flooding will help reduce the damage to your property or business. You should find out if you are at risk of flooding on GOV.UK.

If you are in an area that is at risk of flooding, sign up for free flood warnings on GOV.UK.

Plan ahead for flooding

If you live in a flood risk area, it is important to plan ahead so you're prepared for flooding. This will help reduce the damage caused by flooding.

Find more advice on how to protect your home from future flooding on the Yorkshire Flood Resilience website.

Protect your home

Home insurance

Check your home insurance will cover the damage that may be caused by flooding. You can also get insurance advice around flooding from the National Flood Forum.

Plan how to respond to a flood

You could make a list of all the things you should do. This is called a flood plan and will help remind you to:

  • move your belongings to safety
  • write important contact numbers including your utility companies and home insurance
  • have contact details for family or friends who can help

 Find an example flood plan on GOV.UK.

Flood barriers

Buy or make your own flood barriers to stop water from entering your home or business. These can be kept until there is a risk of flooding. 

Learn more about where to buy sandbags and how to make your own flood barriers. 

Find more details on how to prepare and what to do during a flood on GOV.UK.

Report a flood

Find out how to report a flood.

Responding to flooding

Find out where to get help and advice before, during and after a flood.

How we're helping reduce flood risk

Find out how we are helping to reduce the risk of flooding.