Flooding can pose a serious hazard to lives and property. By taking simple precautions you can minimise the damage caused by flooding. Flooding is a natural process that can happen suddenly from rivers, the sea, urban drainage and run-off from roads and fields.

During widespread flooding the Fire and Rescue service is very busy and will prioritise its attendance to emergencies where there is a risk to life. Be assured though, that if you are trapped by floodwater or your home is severely affected, call 999 and you will be rescued.

While the Environment Agency aims to provide advance warning of flooding from rivers and the sea and local authorities may provide assistance, the person who can do most to help is you

Floodline:

The Environment Agency provides a free warning service called Floodline Warnings Direct which will provide warnings directly to you via telephone, mobile, fax or pager. To find out if you are eligible for this service call Floodline on: 0845 988 1188

Sandbags:

Each local council has their own policy in respect to providing sandbags, which is reviewed periodically. You can buy your own sand and bags, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth. Be aware that following a flood they will be contaminated by sewage in the water.

Other home protection products are available here

Before A Flood

During A Flood

After A Flood

The Environment Agency uses four codes for flood warnings. These can be issued in any order, usually ending with ‘All Clear’. A brief explanation of each code is below;

Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected. Be aware, be prepared, watch out!

Flooding of homes and businessess is expected. Act Now!

Severe flooding is expected. There is an extreme danger to life and property. Act Now!

No further flooding is expected. Water levels will start to go down.

Environment Agency Advice Guides

Check your insurance cover

Check your buildings and contents insurance policy.
Confirm you are covered for flooding.
Find out if the policy replaces new for old, and if it has a limit on repairs.
Don’t underestimate the value of your contents.

Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies

Ask your supplier how to do this.
Mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember.

Prepare a flood kit of essential items

Copies of your home insurance documents.
A torch with spare batteries.
A wind-up or battery radio.
Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
A first aid kit and prescription medication.
Bottled water and non-perishable foods.
Baby food and baby care items.
Keep your flood kit handy.

Start preparing today before a flood happens.

Know who to contact and how

Agree where you will go and how to contact each other.
Check with your council if pets are allowed at evacuation centres.
Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.

Think about what you can move now

Don’t wait for a flood. Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.

Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood

Outdoor pets
Cars
Furniture
Electrical equipment
Garden pot plants and furniture

Environment Agency Advice Guides

During widespread flooding the the public are urged to only call the Fire and Rescue Service if there is a risk to life, serious property or environmental damage.

If you are trapped by floodwater or your home is severely affected, call 999, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service and you will be rescued.

Focus on the safety of you and your family

Put people before property.
Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding.
Be prepared to act quickly to get yourself to safety.

Protect What You Can…

Take items upstairs or to a high point in your property

Safely store important documents such as insurance papers.
Move items of personal value such as photos, family videos or treasured mementos.
Move lightweight household belongings you can pick up easily and quickly.
Move items of furniture that are expensive or harder to repair before cheaper ones.

If possible, move your outside belongings to higher ground

If the flood water hasn’t reached you, move your car to higher ground and move outdoor pets to safety.

Help stop water entering your home

Put plugs in sinks and baths. Weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object.

If you do not have non-return valves fitted

Plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths.
Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers).

…But Evacuate When Told

Leave your home if the emergency services say so. Refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk.
When you are evacuated you will be taken to an evacuation centre run by your local council. Free food and bedding is provided. Bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items if you have an infant.
Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets. Take their food. Put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box.
People running the centres are trained to give you support and advice. They will help you through the stress of a flood and prepare you for what to do afterwards.

Travelling through areas affected by flood

Motorists are advised not to attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and it may be moving fast.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for travelling, slow down and check their brakes after going through flooded water.

People should not attempt to walk through flooded areas. Even in shallow, fast moving water people can be swept off their feet and there may be hidden dangers such as open drains.

Environment Agency Advice Guides

First steps

Find out if it is safe to return to your property

Take care as there may be hidden dangers in the flood water like sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution.
Flood water could have caused structural damage to your property.

Ring your buildings and contents insurance companies as soon as possible

In almost all cases the insurance company will send a loss adjuster to look at your property. They will confirm what repairs and replacements are needed and covered by your policy.
If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
If you do not have insurance, your local council should be able to provide information on hardship grants or charities that may be able to help you.

There are a number of things to be aware of when clearing up after a flood.

Flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste. Always wear:
- waterproof outerwear, including gloves;
- wellington boots;
- face mask.

If your electricity supply is not already switched off at the mains, get a qualified person to this. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.

Residents who have suffered flooding should make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before they are switched back on.

Damaged or wet electrical appliances must be isolated or unplugged. Don’t use electrical items until an electrician checks them.

Do not use food contaminated by floodwater. If in doubt throw it out!

You can get water out of your property using a pump and generator. Position the generator outside in the open air as generators produce carbon monoxide fumes which can kill.

Only pump out water when flood levels outside your property start to be lower than inside. This reduces the risk of structural damage.

Shovel mud away evenly from both sides of a wall. This stops pressure building up on one side.

You can clean and disinfect your property using ordinary household products

A garden hose is useful for washing down. Do not use high-pressure hoses as they blast contaminated matter into the air.

If you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows.

If you have gas or oil central heating and it has been checked by an engineer, turn
it on. Keep the thermostat between 20-22 degrees centigrade for steady drying

Local councils usually provide skips and extra rubbish collections for items that your insurance company has agreed you can throw away.

People are advised to keep up-to-date by listening to BBC Radio Lancashire for news bulletins, or dial the Floodline number 0845 988 1188

Environment Agency Advice Guides

Managing Flood Risks in Parishes – A best practice guide.

Make an Emergency Flood Plan – Ideas for an emergency flood plan

Sandbags:

Flood warning codes

Before a Flood

During A Flood

Cleaning up after a Flood

Further Information