How can we prepare for flooding?

With one in six UK buildings at risk of flooding, here’s how to make a plan to protect your home and loved ones

Wet winters are like water off a duck’s back to most Britons, but climate change is presenting unprecedented challenges, with flooding emerging as a critical issue for homeowners. The University of Bristol published a research paper in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences in 2023, revealing that flood-related costs are steadily increasing, now reaching approximately £740 million annually.

Flooding is no longer just a riverside issue. Surface water flooding – triggered by intense rainfall on hard surfaces – now represents the fastest-growing risk, affecting towns, cities, and dry landscapes. The 2023 record-breaking wet weather, which contributed to England’s second-worst harvest since 1983, underscores the potential cost to local communities.

But preparing for flood risks is not about fearing the worst, but instead, taking practical steps to build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable climate. Depending on the severity of the flooding, there may be no way to fully protect you and your home. But there are things you can do to limit the damage.

Practical changes and planning ahead

The more you know, the more prepared you can be. Stay up to date with the latest flood warnings in your area by visiting gov.uk/check-flooding, and check if your home insurance covers flood damage. Having this knowledge will save a lot of potential stress.

Simple measures like tiling, raising electrical sockets, and installing non-return valves can cut repair expenses by up to 73%, and, in high-risk areas, local councils or the Environment Agency may offer funding for flood protection measures. Keep sandbags, flood boards, and plastic sheeting ready to seal doorways, and prevent sewage backflow.

Begin to prepare now by making an emergency kit to help you get to safety quicker. In a waterproof bag, store a paper copy of all your emergency contact numbers, home insurance details, any important documents, a torch, medication, water, clean clothes, spare glasses or contact lenses, and a first aid kit. If you have a car, put the spare keys in the bag along with an extra set of house keys.

You should also make an evacuation plan for your family and pets. This means deciding how you will exit the property safely, and making a list of potential places to stay temporarily if needed. Consider checking in on your neighbours, especially elderly or vulnerable people, and include them in your plan if required. Think about how you will stay in touch with people you know if you become separated, but don’t assume you’ll be able to rely on mobile phones to communicate. Identify two meeting places – one close by, the other slightly further away – in case the flood is widespread.

Know how to stay safe in a flood

If you’re in immediate danger, call the emergency services right away. If you need to evacuate, turn off the main power before you leave as a safety precaution. Most insurance policies will cover alternative accommodation needs, but it’s best to check this in advance to make sure. If you’re renting or are unable to find suitable accommodation, contact your local council. They should have measures in place to provide emergency shelter.

Whether you evacuate or not, it’s important that you don’t walk or swim through floodwater, as it can flow a lot faster than you realise and contain hidden dangers. A car can float in just two feet of water, and floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, so steer clear of it entirely. If you do make contact with floodwater, wash yourself thoroughly afterwards and change your clothes.

After the flood

While there will naturally be a lot of difficult emotions to navigate if your home has been affected by flooding, alongside anxiety about safety and finances, and the general distress the whole event can cause, there are a few practical steps that will help you in the aftermath.

If you’ve had to evacuate your property, don’t return until you’ve got the all-clear from emergency services. Contact your utilities provider before turning the power back on, as they should be able to send an engineer to ensure it’s safe, as well as carry out any repairs. Be sure to throw away any food that has been contaminated with floodwater, and boil tap water until it’s been declared safe to drink. Alternatively, use bottled water where you can.

Take lots of photographs to document any damage to your property, and contact your insurer as soon as possible to initiate your claim. Make sure you tell your insurer if you’re a vulnerable customer, e.g. disabled or elderly, as they might prioritise your claim.

Remember, you don’t have to deal with everything alone. You can ask for support from loved ones to help you with all the phone calls and logistical problems caused by flooding, like finding alternative accommodation or travel solutions. Most people who have experienced flooding will tell you that the impact of the event can echo for years to come. So acknowledge that dealing with flooding can be an emotional roller coaster, and if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for support to navigate the ups and downs.