Sign up for free flood warnings
Flood warnings by phone, text or email are free. In England sign up at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings; Scotland and Wales have their own services through SEPA and Natural Resources Wales, and Floodline can put you through.
Learn the three levels: a flood alert means flooding is possible, a flood warning means it's expected and you should act now, and a severe flood warning means danger to life.
What to put in a flood bag
Keep one bag somewhere high and easy to reach. Councils and the Environment Agency suggest:
- A torch with spare batteries, and a battery or wind-up radio
- A first aid kit and the medicines you take every day
- Bottled water and snacks
- Warm clothes, waterproofs, blankets and rubber gloves
- Copies of insurance documents and your flood plan, in a waterproof bag
- Spare keys, cash and cards, and phone numbers written down
- Nappies, baby food or pet supplies, if you need them
Our Ready Box already covers the torch, radio, power bank, first aid, water and food. A grab bag makes it easy to carry.
When a flood warning is issued
- Move things upTake valuables, documents, medicines and pets upstairs or to a high shelf.
- Turn off gas, electricity and waterOnly if it's safe to do so. Never touch electrics while standing in water.
- Put flood protection in placeFlood boards, air brick covers or sandbags, if you have them.
- Be ready to leaveKeep your flood bag by the door and follow what the emergency services tell you.
After a flood
Don't go back until you're told it's safe. Take photos for your insurer before you clean up, and treat flood water as contaminated: wear gloves and wash your hands. If your power was turned off, get an electrician to check it before switching back on.
Questions
Are flood warnings free?
Yes. Warnings by phone, text or email are free. In England sign up at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
What is the Floodline number?
Floodline is 0345 988 1188. It gives flood warnings and advice for England, Scotland and Wales.
Should I turn off my electricity in a flood?
Turn off gas, electricity and water if a flood warning is issued and it is safe to do so. Never touch electrics while standing in water.
Everything on the Be Ready checklist in one box, ready before the water rises.
Sources: GOV.UK flood warnings · The Flood Hub · National Flood Forum · GOV.UK Be Ready. BeReady2Day is an independent business, not part of the government.