What to do in a flood

4. What to do if you get a severe flood warning

A severe flood warning means there is danger to life: you must act now.

• call 999 if you’re in immediate danger
• follow advice from the emergency services and evacuate if you’re told to do so
• make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items you may need
• alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so
• avoid driving or walking through flood water: just 30cm (1 foot) of fast flowing water could move your car and even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet
• keep your family and pets away from floodwater – it may contain heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals
• wash your hands if you’ve been in contact with flood water which may contain toxic substances