Did you know that over 5 million people in England alone are at risk of flooding? While the causes of floods may vary, their impact can be devastating if you're not prepared. With climate change contributing to more frequent and severe floods, it’s essential to have a plan in place. Rather than worrying about what may happen, it’s better to take action and be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this list of essential tips to help you prepare for flooding and minimise its impact.
1. Assess Your Flood Risk
Flood maps have changed significantly in recent years, and your property may now be at risk even if it wasn’t before. To check if your home is in a flood risk zone, visit the UK Government’s flood warning service.
If you discover your property is in a risk zone, get in touch with your insurer to ensure your coverage is sufficient. For more details, see our flood insurance tips below. It’s also helpful to stay updated with local news and weather alerts. Consider signing up for Met Office email alerts or downloading their mobile app, which includes national severe weather warnings.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit
Being prepared can make a world of difference during a flood. Assemble an emergency kit with enough supplies to last 3–4 days. Here’s what you should include:
- Warm clothes
- A list of emergency contacts
- Insurance policy documents
- First aid kit
- Spare phone battery
- Flashlight (preferably with a dynamo)
- Bottled water and snacks
- Cash and credit cards
- Necessary medications
- Wind-up radio
- Toiletries
- Wellies and waterproof clothing
Be sure to save emergency numbers on all family members' phones. If an evacuation occurs, local authorities will likely provide support, but having your own kit ensures you’re prepared.
3. Plan Evacuation Routes
Knowing your local area is crucial. Map out potential evacuation routes in advance, identifying higher ground and areas less likely to flood. Be aware of one-way streets and potential traffic hotspots that could hinder your evacuation.
If you receive a flood warning, move vehicles to higher ground—but only if it's safe to do so. Never drive through standing water, as hidden dangers like sinkholes or debris could trap your vehicle and put you at risk.
4. Prepare Your Home for a Flood
Before evacuating, take steps to protect your home:
- Empty fridges, freezers, and washing machines, and leave their doors open to allow floodwater to escape as it recedes.
- Turn off the mains power, gas, and water supplies. Unplug all electrical devices to avoid the risk of electric shock when the power is restored.
- Make sure you know where your fuse box is and how to turn off utilities. Surprisingly, many homeowners don’t!
- Take your pets with you and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours if it's safe to do so.
5. Use Upstairs for Storage
In most two-storey homes, the second floor is less likely to be affected by flooding. Store irreplaceable items such as family photographs, important documents, expensive electronics, and data storage devices on the top floor. This helps protect your valuables from flood damage.
6. Secure Your Outdoors
If you store chemicals, fuel, or other hazardous materials outdoors—especially if you’re a farmer or gardener—ensure they are securely stored to prevent contamination in the event of a flood. Floodwater can easily carry these materials into local water supplies, causing environmental damage.
7. Consider Flood Defence Systems
Sandbags have been used for years, but they’re often ineffective in modern flood defence. They can provide some protection, such as preventing sewage back-flow in toilets, but even this is not 100% reliable.
Modern flood defence systems offer better protection. For example, Floodstop barriers are an affordable and effective solution for households. Additionally, installing back-flow valves on all sinks, baths, and toilets will help prevent contaminated water from entering your home.
8. Secure Airbricks and Other Openings
Airbricks and small wall openings can allow floodwater to seep into your home. Before flood season, make sure these are protected. There are specially designed products to seal airbricks and prevent water intrusion.
9. Ensure Your Insurance Covers Flooding
Flood insurance is critical if you live in a high-risk area. While most insurers are helpful, there’s always a risk they might look for loopholes to deny coverage. Make sure your insurance policy explicitly covers flood damage by reading the fine print carefully. Some policies may not include this by default.
From 2015, homeowners in flood risk zones have had access to the Government’s Flood Re scheme, which caps the cost of flood insurance. Depending on your council tax band, flood-related coverage could be capped at £210 per year. You can check if you're eligible by entering your postcode on the Flood Re website.
In the meantime, take detailed photos and videos of your property before any flooding occurs. Keep your insurance inventory up to date, and remember that if an item isn't listed, your insurer
By following these simple steps to prepare for flooding, you’ll be safeguarding your family, your home, and your possessions. Acting now will help reduce the damage and stress caused by floods, ensuring you're better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.