What to do during a flood

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At home

• Listen to local radio for updates and advice.
• Avoid contact with flood water as much as possible it may be contaminated with sewage or other pollutants.
• Keep electrical cables out of water, and wear rubber boots to avoid electric shocks
• Wash any cuts and grazes and cover with a waterproof plaster.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers
• If the emergency services tell you to evacuate, follow their instructions
• Use a mobile phone as landlines may be affected by floodwater

Outside

• Try to avoid walking through floodwater. Six inches of fast flowing water is enough to knock over an adult. Manhole covers may have been lifted off and there may be other hazards hidden under the water.
• Don’t walk along riverbanks or cross river bridges in flood conditions, they may collapse.
• Don’t let children play in floodwater, this is dangerous.
• Avoid travel if possible, but if you must drive slowly and cautiously. Floods can turn a usually quiet road into a potential hazard. Don’t drive down closed roads.
• Aquaplaning is much more likely during flood conditions.
• Don’t drive through water if you can’t tell how deep it is. Two feet of water is enough to float a car.
• Drive considerately, the bow wave from your car could flood nearby homes.
• 80% of flood related deaths are in a vehicle. If your car stalls in water, do not attempt to recover it. Leave it and move your self and any passengers to safer ground.
• If you do have to travel, let someone know about your travel plans.

Related documents

• Householders' guide for emergencies
  Householders' guide for emergencies 331kb

Last updated: 2 May 2012