Flooding: What to Do Before, During, and After
Overview: Learn how to stay safe during a flood. This guide helps you check if you’re at risk, prepare for floods, and know what to do if flooding happens.
The Environment Agency and GOV.UK
- Prepare for flooding: Protect yourself from future flooding - GOV.UK
Find out if you're in an area at risk of flooding
- Click here to view The live flood warning map
- Click here to Check the long term flood risk for an area in England
Sign up for flood warnings go to GOV.UK
- Click here to Sign up for flood warnings
Guidance - A guide to adapting your home or business to flooding, and how to pump water out of your property after a flood.
Quick Guide to Flooding and Steps
Before a Flood:
- Check Risk: Find out if your area is at risk of flooding.
- Make a Plan: Create a flood plan with your family or Community or Business.
- Prepare a Grab Bag: Pack essentials like water, food, and medicines.
- Turn Off Utilities: Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
During a Flood:
- Move to Safety: Go to a safe area, like upstairs or higher ground.
- Stay Informed: Listen to local radio for updates.
- Turn Off Utilities: Turn off gas, electricity, and water if safe.
- Check on Others: Look out for vulnerable neighbours or relatives.
- Report a flood or possible cause of flooding -
- Click here to Report a flood
After a Flood:
- Wait until the water recedes before returning home.
- Contact Insurance: Call your insurance company.
- Wear Protective Gear: Use protective clothing when cleaning up.
- Be Cautious: Watch out for hidden dangers like sharp objects and pollution.
More information can be found by visiting
More information
- Recovering from A flood
- Business affected by Flooding
- Clearing up and making repairs after a flood
- Food and water safety
Sand and sandbags should be purchased before they are needed, as supplies are likely to sell out if a flood is imminent.
- Sandbags purchased in advance could end up being stored for a long time (if flooding does not occur).
- Consider their shelf life and perches rot resistant Hessian or UV stabilized plastic.
Limited Supply
Nottingham City Council keeps a limited supply of sand and sandbags in stock for our use. We do not guarantee to be able to provide sandbags to the public in an emergency.
We will try to help, but we may not be able to reach properties quickly enough and we may need to prioritize our limited resources to those in greater need.
Monitoring River Levels
The Environment Agency offers a service for checking current river levels. Up-to-date water level information helps people in flood-prone areas stay informed and take action as needed.
This data complements personalised alerts via phone and text, available through the agency's free flood warning service.
You can also contact the Environment Agency Floodline
- Tel: 0345 988 1188
- Visit: Environment Agency Website
General Safety
- Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car
- (There were a number of fatalities in 2012 due to people believing their 4 by 4's can get through flood waters)
- Avoid walking or driving through flood waters, there may be hidden dangers such as missing grid and manhole covers
- Avoid contact with flood water as it may contain sewage, chemicals and water born diseases
- Ensure general hygiene is maintained; thoroughly wash your hands if you touch the flood water
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