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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