Most British households have nothing. No torch. No water. No plan. According to the British Red Cross, four in five UK homes have no emergency plan whatsoever — and the Cabinet Office quietly recommends every household maintain enough supplies to survive independently for at least 72 hours.
Flooding is Britain’s most frequent and most costly natural disaster. The Environment Agency estimates that 5.2 million properties in England alone are at risk — one in six homes.
Step One: Know Your Risk
Visit gov.uk/check-flood-risk and enter your postcode. Register for free flood warnings at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings. The Environment Agency issues three alert levels — Flood Alert, Flood Warning, and Severe Flood Warning.
Step Two: Protect the Property
Fit flood barriers and FloodSax sandless sandbags. Raise electrical sockets above flood levels. Clear gutters and drains every autumn. Consider flood resistant materials if renovating.
Step Three: Prepare Your Flood Kit
Keep a dedicated flood bag containing insurance documents, medications for 7 days, waterproof bags for electronics, rubber gloves and boots, disinfectant, torch, cash, and utility contact numbers.
Step Four: During the Flood
Do not walk or drive through floodwater. Just 15cm of fast moving water can knock an adult off their feet. 30cm can float a car. If you cannot safely leave, go upstairs and wait. Call 999 if in immediate danger. Call 105 to report power outages.
Step Five: After the Flood
Do not return home until authorities say it is safe. Wear rubber gloves and boots throughout cleanup. Document everything with photographs before cleaning. Contact your insurer immediately. Open windows to prevent mould which develops within 24-48 hours.
The Association of British Insurers has a 24-hour helpline for flood claims: 0800 085 1800.
The Uncomfortable Truth
Most flood damage is not inevitable. It is the result of insufficient preparation. Check your postcode. Sign up for alerts. Get the kit ready. Do it before it rains.
