Guidance

Personal flood plan

Updated 15 November 2023

Applies to England

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan/personal-flood-plan

1. Before a flood 

Check what to do before or during a flood. 

Sign up for flood warnings. 

Check you understand what the warnings mean: 

  • flood alert 
  • flood warning 
  • severe flood warning 

Get up to date information by noting: 

  • your local radio station for travel and weather 
  • the phone number for Floodline (0345 988 1188) 
  • local websites and social media 

Check if your insurance covers you for flooding.

Think about how you could stop water entering your home.  Check you know how to turn off your electricity and water. 

Move important documents and possessions and store them in a location where they won’t be damaged by flood water. Protect them in a waterproof container. Keep them in a place that is easy to get to in an emergency. These might include: 

  • passport 
  • driving licence 
  • medical cards 
  • insurance documents 
  • computers or laptops 
  • mobile phones and chargers 
  • important photos and papers 
  • items of sentimental value 

2. Getting help 

Keep a note of who can help you and anyone you can help. 

This might be relatives, friends or neighbours. Make a note of what help you might need from them, or what you can do to help them. 

2.1 Contact details you might need 

Insurance:

  • home 
  • contents 
  • vehicle

Utilities:

  • electricity 
  • gas 
  • water 
  • telephone 
  • broadband 
  • mobile phone 
  • media providers 

Finance:

  • bank accounts 

Pets:

  • kennels 
  • carers 
  • vets 

Council:

  • district or unitary council 
  • town or parish council 

Medical: 

  • doctors 
  • hospitals 

3. Prepare a flood kit 

Items you might want to include are: 

  • important documents and contact information 
  • warm, waterproof, and dry clothing and footwear 
  • a torch  
  • drinking water 
  • medicine 
  • toys for children 
  • baby care items 
  • mobile phone or device charger or spare batteries 

3.1 Pets and animals 

Think about what to do with pets if a flood happens. This could be: 

  • where they might go 
  • food 
  • carriers 
  • medicines 

If you are asked to evacuate, many centres will allow you to bring your pet. Put cats or small animals in a carrier or small box. 

4. Immediately before a flood 

Actions you can take if you know you are about to be flooded include: 

  • turn off electricity, water and gas supplies 
  • lift curtains over rails above flood water levels 
  • use any measures you have to stop water entering your property, such as door guards or air brick covers 
  • move important items to safety 
  • lift rugs and smaller furniture upstairs or on to tables or worktops if possible 
  • get your flood kit together and prepare to move from your home 
  • move your pets and car away from flood areas if possible 
  • make sure your mobile phone or devices are charged 

5. When a flood happens 

Actions you should take: 

  • follow warnings, information and advice issued by authorities 
  • do not walk or drive through flood water, as it may conceal hidden dangers 
  • do not put yourself or others at risk 
  • take your flood kit with you if you directed to an evacuation centre 
  • let your family or friends know you are safe 
  • check they are safe too 

6. After a flood 

Actions you can take: 

  • do not return to your home until you are told it is safe to do so 
  • when returning home, remember that flood water may contain sewage and conceal hidden dangers 
  • wear appropriate waterproof or protective clothing when cleaning up 
  • contact your insurance company to start the claims process 
  • if you rent your property, contact your landlord and contents insurance company 
  • throw away items damaged by flood water after your property and items have been checked by a loss adjuster 
  • make sure you throw away items in an appropriate manner 

You may need gas or electricity engineers to check your supply before turning it back on. 

7. Further information 

You can find more information from: 

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