Around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water (rain) or groundwater (Be Ready). Many homes at risk are not next to a river.
Find out if you are at risk
- In England, use our flood warning lookup or the government's check for flooding service. The other nations are listed on our UK warnings page.
- Sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email (England). Floodline is 0345 988 1188.
The three warning levels
These are the GOV.UK definitions:
- Flood alert: flooding is possible. Get ready: check your kit, move the car and keep an eye on updates.
- Flood warning: flooding is expected. Act now: move people, pets and valuables upstairs and switch off the supplies if it is safe.
- Severe flood warning: severe flooding, danger to life. Follow the emergency services and leave if you are told to.
Before a flood
- Keep a grab bag and write a household plan that says where you would go and how you would get there.
- Know where to turn off the gas, electricity and water. Write it in the plan.
- Keep insurance details and important papers in a waterproof bag, somewhere high up.
- Consider flood doors, air brick covers and non-return valves if you are in a risk area. If your home is hard to insure, ask about Flood Re, which generally covers homes built before 1 January 2009.
When water is coming
- Move people, pets, medicines and papers upstairs or to higher ground first. Things can be replaced.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water at the mains only if it is safe. Never touch electrics while standing in water.
- Do not walk or drive through flood water. The Environment Agency warns that just 30 cm of moving water can float a car, and Be Ready says flood water may hide broken drain and manhole covers. If you meet a flooded road, turn around and find another route.
- Call 999 if life is in danger.
After a flood
- Only go back in when you are told it is safe. Wear gloves and boots: flood water can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Take photos and videos of the damage before you clear up, and ring your insurer as soon as you can.
- Do not switch the electricity back on until a qualified electrician has checked it.
- If the water supply was affected, follow your water company's advice before drinking it. Throw away food that touched flood water, including tins that look damaged.
- Run taps for a few minutes when the supply is back if your water company tells you to.
The National Flood Forum is a charity that supports people at risk of, or recovering from, flooding.