Flood action groups

Why flooding gets its own group

Be Ready puts the number at around 6.3 million properties in England in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water or groundwater. Flooding is also the hazard around which community volunteering is most developed. The Be Ready volunteering page says Communities Prepared has an interactive map of community emergency volunteers and flood warden groups, and Communities Prepared itself trains and supports communities for emergencies from flooding and severe weather to pandemics.

The warnings

The Environment Agency's flood warning service is free. It covers homes and organisations in England at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or groundwater, and sends a call, text or email at any time of day or night. It does not cover surface water flooding, sometimes called flash flooding; for that, contact the local council. In England, Scotland and Wales you can also sign up, change your details or cancel by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188, and Be Ready says Floodline can send warnings to a friend or relative on behalf of someone who needs extra help. Scotland and Wales have their own warning services, and Northern Ireland has flood maps.

Be Ready explains the two warning levels it acts on: a flood warning means flooding is expected, and a severe flood warning means there is a danger to life. The GOV.UK Check for flooding service shows current warnings, river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels, and the flood risk over the next five days.

Before a flood

The Be Ready list for anyone in a flood risk area: sign up for warnings, make a personal flood plan, and pack a grab bag with medication, a first aid kit, important documents, a torch, bottled water, warm waterproof clothing and baby items. Move valuable items upstairs, keep documents in watertight bags, know how to turn off the gas, the electricity and the water, and get insurance.

During a flood

When a flood warning or severe flood warning is in force: turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe, and never touch an electrical switch while standing in water. Move family, vehicles, pets and important items upstairs or to higher ground. Use any flood protection products you have. Always follow the council or the emergency services if asked to evacuate; delay can put your life and the lives of rescuers at risk. Never walk through flood water, which may hide sewage, wreckage, uneven surfaces and open drains. If you meet a flooded road while driving, turn around; driving through flood water is the leading cause of death in flooding. Severe river or coastal flooding in England is reported to the Environment Agency, and some types of flooding to the council. A household that cannot live in its home should contact the council about emergency accommodation. See flooding.

After a flood

Water levels may rise and fall for several weeks. Photograph all damage, mark the water line on the wall before it recedes, and get the insurer's approval before repairs. Those without insurance can ask the council about hardship grants, and Flood Re is a scheme to help people who have been flooded find more affordable insurance.

Working with the resilience forum

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight community plan template asks a group to encourage everyone in the community to sign up for flood alerts, to link each alert to a named emergency coordinator, and to treat a flood or weather warning from a trusted source as a trigger for activating the plan.