Flooding

Follow these steps to make sure you are ready in the event of a flood. 

Make a personal flood plan

If your home is at risk of flooding, make sure you have your own personal flood plan. Flooding can become a serious problem faster than you’d think, so don’t leave this until it actually happens as you will not have time.

Visit GOV.UK: personal flood plan for a guide on preparing a personal flood plan.  

Store important documents safely

Preferably store documents higher than the flood waters can reach, or if this is not possible, protect them in polythene bags. 

Stop flood water entering your home

Look into the best ways to stop flood water entering your home – don’t just rely on sandbags, they may not always be available and there are plenty of flood protection products available which can protect your home much more effectively.

Visit the National Flood Forum’s directory at Blue Pages for household flood prevention measures and products. 

Check your insurance policy

Check that your insurance policy covers you for flooding. 

Sign up for flood warnings

Sign up for the Environment Agency’s flood alert and warning service to get flooding alerts by telephone, email and SMS. 

Check flood warning levels

Familiarise yourself with flood warning levels, so that you understand an event as it is unfolding. 

Think about who can help

Identify who you can turn to during flooding and where you can go or store possessions when flooding is imminent. Also identify who you can help – look out for friends, family and neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable or elderly.

Consider pets

If you have pets, identify somewhere safe you can take them before a flood. 

Consider your car

If you have a car, identify somewhere safe to move it to before a flood. If your car is already in flood water, do not attempt to move it. 

Locate stop-valves

Make sure you know where the stop-valves are for your water, gas and electricity supplies so that you can turn these off quickly if necessary. 

Prepare an emergency flood kit

Have an emergency flood kit ready to grab in the event of a flood. You could include the following in your emergency flood kit:

• important documents, such as your passport or insurance certificates
• a wind up torch and radio, in case of a loss of power
• rubber gloves and wellington boots, in case you have to come into contact with flood water
• a first aid kit, including any prescription medicine
• bottled water – the water from the tap may become contaminated during flooding
• non-perishable and/or tinned food
• blankets and warm clothing, in case of a prolonged loss of power
• if you have children, you may wish to include some toys to keep them entertained

More ideas

For resources, events and toolkits to help prepare for an emergency visit Surrey Prepared. This includes a household plan to help keep you and your family safe.