During a flood
How will I know that a flood is likely to occur?
- flood warnings will be issued through the media so stay tuned
into the radio or TV - you can also contact the Meteorological
Office on 0870 900 0100 or visit the Met Office website for more
information
- move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety (see
the Before a flood page for more
advice)
- where safe to do so alert your neighbours, particularly the
elderly or infirm
What quick emergency steps can I take?
- put sandbags, flood boards or any other flood defence equipment
you may have in place as soon as possible - making sure your
property is properly ventilated
- plug sinks/baths and weigh the plug down - put a sandbag
in the toilet bowl to prevent backflow
- be ready to turn off gas and electricity; unplug electrical
items and move them and other valuable upstairs if possible (if
there are no upstairs then place them as high up as possible on
shelves and cupboards)
- move furniture away from the walls as this will help them to
dry out later
- co-operate with emergency services and local authorities
- work in the daylight if possible (working in the dark will be
harder and more dangerous - remember you will have to turn the
electricity off at the mains)
Is there anything I can do outside to tackle the flood?
Don't be tempted to go and tackle the flood directly – they
can be very dangerous and you will be putting yourself at
unnecessary risk. You should leave it to the professional emergency
services, and cooperate with them as much as possible.
Listen to the local news and to the emergency services who will
advise if evacuation is necessary.
Do not walk, swim or drive in flood water. Floods can be fatal -
six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of
water will float your car. Manhole covers may have come off as well
as other hazards you can’t see.