Guide · Disasters and emergencies
Floods
Floodwater rises fast and is more powerful than it looks. Most flood deaths happen when people walk or drive into water, so the most important rule is simple: stay out of it.
Before a flood
- Find out whether your area is at risk and sign up for local flood warnings if they exist.
- Keep a grab bag ready with documents, medicines, a torch, a phone charger, water and snacks.
- Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
- Move valuables, documents and electrical items upstairs or onto high shelves.
- Plan where you'd go and how you'd get there on higher ground.
When a flood warning is issued
- Follow instructions from your local authorities. If you're told to leave, leave.
- Move people, pets and important things upstairs or to higher ground.
- If you have time and it's safe, turn off gas, electricity and water at the mains. Never touch electrical switches while standing in water.
- Put sandbags or flood boards in place if you have them.
- Fill bottles and a bath with clean water in case supplies are cut.
During a flood
- Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just 15 cm of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet, and 30–60 cm can float a car.
- Water hides open drains, holes and debris. It is often contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
- If you're trapped inside, go to the highest floor. Take a phone, a torch, warm clothes and water. Don't go into a closed attic where you could be trapped by rising water; choose a place with a window or roof access.
- If you need rescue, call your local emergency number (112 in Europe and many other countries, 911 in North America). Signal from a window with a torch or bright cloth.
- If your car stalls in rising water and it's safe to get out, leave it and move to higher ground.
After a flood
- Only return home when the authorities say it's safe.
- Have electrics and gas checked by a qualified person before using them.
- Wear gloves and boots when cleaning up. Wash hands well afterwards.
- Throw away any food, including tins with damaged seals, that touched floodwater.
- Don't drink tap water until you're told it's safe. Boil or treat it if in doubt.
- Take photos of damage for insurance before you start clearing.
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