what to do if you get a flood warning

A flood warning means flooding is expected. Act now: move people, pets and valuables upstairs, and be ready to leave.

A flood alert means flooding is possible, so get ready. A severe flood warning means danger to life: do what the emergency services tell you.

what to do now

Check the warning for your area
The check for flooding service shows current warnings and river levels. Floodline is 0345 988 1188.
Move people, pets and medicines upstairs
Then documents, phone chargers and anything you would not want to lose.
Put a bag by the door
Medicines, documents, cash, a torch, chargers and warm clothes. Take it if you are told to leave.
Move your car to higher ground
Only if you can do it safely, and before the water rises.
Turn off gas, electricity and water
Do it before water comes in, and only if it is safe. Find the switches and stopcock now.
Check on your neighbours
Older people and families with young children may need help to move things or leave.
Sign up for warnings
Warnings by text, call or email are free, by postcode. Scotland and Wales have their own services, linked from the same page.

Check what you already have first, then buy only what is missing.

Waterproof document wallet
Keeps passports, insurance papers and prescriptions dry in one place.
Choose one on Amazon: Waterproof document wallet (opens in a new tab)
Head torch
Keeps both hands free if the power goes at night.
Choose one on Amazon: Head torch (opens in a new tab)
Power bank
10,000 mAh charges most phones about twice.
Choose one on Amazon: Power bank (opens in a new tab)
Wind-up or battery radio
For local news and warnings when the mobile network is down.
Choose one on Amazon: Wind-up or battery radio (opens in a new tab)

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Sources checked 24 September 2026.