Find out how to clean up your home safely after a flood. Coronavirus (COVID-19): how we're protecting our flood warning service. There are simple things you can do now to help reduce the impact of flooding on your home. Save a copy of this simple flood plan (PDF, 139KB) so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area. Save a copy of this simple flood plan (PDF, 139KB) so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area. You may be able to get financial aid for flood recovery. Save a copy of this simple flood plan (PDF, 139KB) so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area. If you’ve had to leave your home, check with the emergency services that it’s safe before you return. 2. All floods are different and you should take advice from the emergency services and your local authority if you’re in a flood. Contact the National Flood Forum for help in finding local support. Do … To reduce flood damage you could take measure such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the walls and fitting non-return valves. The public are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. You are also more likely to remember everything you need to do if you are calm. GOV.UK uses cookies to make the site simpler. Never use petrol or diesel-powered generators indoors – their exhaust gases are potentially lethal. View current warnings and advice specific to your area . Check on elderly relatives and make sure they are ok. Floods can kill. However, try to stay calm and everything else will seem much easier. During a Flood – What to Do and Who Can Help. You should do all the actions for a flood alert but also: move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so; move family and pets to safety Check if you are at risk of flooding: using a simple postcode search. Everything you need to know about the forecast, and making the most of the weather. Find out more about cookies. They should help with collecting large flood-damaged items. Having a flooded home is very stressful. Your home or business may also need a safety inspection by the utility companies before you can turn the water, gas and electricity back on. Contact local authorities Take care when travelling in heavy rain, wind and thunderstorms. They’ll tell you where to put them and when they may be collected. Short periods of intense rainfall can cause flash flooding, longer periods of widespread heavy rain can cause rivers to overflow and storm surges can cause coastal flooding. Stay calm It is natural to panic when you hear a flood warning. Most of the repair work after flooding will need to be undertaken by professionals appointed by your insurers. Do not be tempted to go and watch the waves come in – they are dangerous and you will be putting yourself at risk.. Contact the, When cleaning your home after a flood always wear gloves, a face mask and sturdy footwear. Back to Shop. Take advice from specialists before starting repairs to your property. Flood water can rise quickly; stay calm and reassure those around you. Apply to, Verification, impacts and post-processing, Climate information for international development, Science for Impacts, Resilience and Adaptation (SIRA), Atmospheric processes and parametrizations, Regional model evaluation and development, Environmental Hazard and Resilience Services, National Meteorological Library & Archive, prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents. If you have any questions about recovering from a flood, such as disposing of used sandbags or damaged furniture, contact your local authority. Suppliers of flood products and services can be found on the Bluepages. If you need emotional support, contact family and friends, your doctor or an organisation like the, You may be able to get financial aid for flood recovery. The Environment Agency has specially trained Flood Support Officers across the country who provide information and advice during and after floods. Before you start cleaning, take photographs to document damage and record the flood water height. This is a new service – your feedback will help us to improve it. Making a personal flood plan; what to do if a flood is forecast; what to do if a flood happens; cleaning up after a flood. UK floods: What to do when your home is at risk. beta You can find general advice about staying healthy after a flood at Public Health England. Find out, If you have any questions about recovering from a flood, such as disposing of used sandbags or damaged furniture, contact, Suppliers of flood products and services can be found on the, Read the National Flood Forum's advice on, how to protect your property from flooding in the future, The Food Standards Agency offers detailed, Having a flooded home is very stressful. Who we are, what we do and organisational news. A flood warning means you need to act: flooding is expected. Gales are the most common cause of damage and disruption in the UK. Save a copy of this simple flood plan (PDF, 139KB) so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area. If you’ve been flooded, contact your insurance company and follow their advice. Apply to your local council. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, What to do if you get a severe flood warning, View current warnings and advice specific to your area, prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents. What to do if you get a flood warning. Advice and guidance for protecting yourself and your home in heavy rain and flooding. If you use heaters or dehumidifiers to dry out your property, make sure there’s good ventilation. If you come into contact with flood water, wash your hands thoroughly. The latest breakthroughs, research and news from the Met Office. Flood water may contain harmful substances like sewage, chemicals and animal waste which could make you unwell. Floodline (England, Scotland and Wales): 0345 988 1188, Northern Ireland flooding incident line: 0300 2000 100.