Planning for emergencies: are you ready

One in six properties in the UK are at risk of flooding. Flooding can come from several sources:

• rivers
• coastal waters
• groundwater
• surface water
• sewage discharges

There are many things you can do in advance to prepare for flooding and to minimise its effects.

Ensure that you know your property’s risk to flooding and what type. To assess your risk from river flooding visit check for flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

If you are at risk you may be able to register for the Environment Agency’s free flood warnings service, via the website or by telephone. Ensure you keep the Floodline number and your quick dial code handy to get the latest information.

Get to know the flood warning codes and what they mean from the Environment Agency’s website.

Check your buildings and contents insurance policy to confirm you are covered for flooding. Make sure to check you have not underestimated the value of your home contents.

Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. If you have any doubts you should ask your supplier for advice. Putting stickers on the taps and switches you need to turn off during a flood makes it easier to remember and quicker to do.

Think about what you will do with pets, cars, furniture, electrical equipment and garden furniture if you are affected by flooding. You can download a template to help you prepare for a flood: personal flood plan.

If your home is prone to flooding, buy flood protection equipment in advance. You can find out more here: The National Flood Forum.

Tune in to your local radio station, follow the news online, social media or call Floodline to get the latest information. Report property flooding or river blockages to the Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

If safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your home and read the utility disruption section.

If your home has flooded you are advised to move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape. Remember to take your emergency grab bag with you.

Do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water. Never drive through flood water. Eighty per cent of flood deaths occur in vehicles.

If there is raw sewage in your property you should not enter your property at all. You should seek alternative accommodation until it has been cleansed.

If a flood is likely, put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down.

• find out if it is safe to return to your property by monitoring the media and local authority website - check falling river levels via Floodline and the Environment Agency’s website
• ring your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their advice. If you can access your property, take photographs for evidence
• to protect against contamination always wear waterproof outerwear, wellington boots and gloves
• get your local electricity supply checked before switching back on and have your gas or oil central heating checked by a qualified person
• your local council may help provide skips for clearing flood-damaged household items

Check the Environment Agency’s website for more advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.

• ensure you have enough insulation around your water tank(s), loft and external water pipes
• check you have de-icer, salt or grit and the necessary tools to keep your home safe and clear of snow

• if you are going outside, wear several layers to avoid losing heat and cover your head. Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate
• wear practical footwear that is warm and has good grip for the conditions
• consider using a walking stick to aid balance

• consider whether you really need to make the journey
• if you are travelling when snow or ice is forecast, make sure that you and your car are fully prepared for the trip
• you have warm clothes, food, water, fully charged mobile phone, torch, spade and possibly a reflective jacket
• tell somebody when you expect to arrive and the route you plan to take
• make sure there is enough screen wash in the windscreen washers, and have some spare to top up if needed
• try to wait for the roads to be treated or gritted before travelling. It may be that only the major roads are treated
• if you must drive, check the Highway Code for advice on driving on ice and snow
• slow down. Allow extra room, it can take 10 times as long to stop in these conditions
• if you start to skid, ease gently off the accelerator and avoid braking. If braking is necessary pump the brakes, don’t slam them on
• if you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to the aerial

• keep the paths around your property clear of snow
• knock down any icicles that form to prevent them falling onto someone
• check to see if your gutters are being affected by the weight of snow
• put salt or grit on paths and driveways
• get together with neighbours to clear footpaths and community areas