One way to prepare is to ensure you have as much warning of a potential flood as possible. You can register to receive free flood warnings from the Environment Agency and check the long term flood risk of your area at:

The Environment Agency provides 3 types of flood warning. Theses are as follows:

If you receive a flood alert this means that flooding is possible. The recommendation at this stage is as follows:

• be ready to follow your flood plan
• have insurance documents and any medications ready
• avoid walking, cycling or driving through any flood water
• move any livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood

A flood warning means that flooding is expected and action should be taken. On received a warning you should:

• protect yourself and your loved ones
• move your loved ones, pets and valuables to a safe place
• move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building
• turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home if it's safe
• put flood protection equipment in place
• do as the emergency services tell you
• help others if it's safe to do so

A severe flood warning means that flooding could cause danger to life and significant disruption to communities. You must act now. You should:

• stay in a safe place
• be ready to evacuate your home
• do as the emergency services tell you
• call 999 if you are in immediate danger
• if you are caught in a flash flood move to higher ground or the upper floor of a building if it's safe

You can contact Floodline for advice at:

Telephone: 0345 988 1188
Textphone: 0345 602 6340
24-hour service