If you are facing a flood emergency, please go straight to the official sources below – they have the most up-to-date guidance and are equipped to help. For general queries, visit our Flood Advice section.
In an emergency
If you are in immediate danger: 999
What to do in a flood – GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/help-during-flood
- Official Environment Agency flood safety guidance
Floodline: 0345 988 1188
- Personalised advice during a flood event, available 24/7
What to do after a flood – GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/after-flood
- Steps to take once floodwater recedes
Staying informed
Check for flooding – live warnings: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
- Environment Agency live flood warnings and river levels
Sign up for free flood warnings: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
- Free alerts by phone, text or email
Met Office – severe weather warnings: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
- Heavy rainfall, high winds and storm alerts
Traffic England – road travel: https://www.trafficengland.com
- Road closures and travel disruption during flooding
Protecting your home or business
National Flood Forum Blue Pages
Approved suppliers of flood protection products
Discover more
Yorkshire Flood Resilience
DEFRA-funded support for Hull and East Riding residents
Discover more
Government - adapting your home to flood risk
Resistance and resilience measures guidance
Discover more
Preparing your business for flooding - GOV.UK
Business flood plan checklists
Read more
Personal flood plan template
Free Government household flood plan template
Read more
Insurance and recovery
National Flood Forum - insurance guidance: //nationalfloodforum.org.uk/about-flooding/insurance/household-insurance/
Personal flood plan template: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan/personal-flood-plan
- Independent advice on flood insurance and claims
National Flood Forum – recovery support: https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
- Practical and emotional support after a flood
Flood Re - Build Back Better: https://www.floodre.co.uk/rethink/
- Installing flood resilience measures through your insurance claim
Pets and livestock
RSPCA - flood advice for pets: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/seasonal/floods
- Guidance on keeping pets and animals safe during flooding
RSPCA helpine: 0300 1234 99
- Available 8am-6pm for animals in distress during a flood
Property responsibilities
Owning a watercourse – GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse
- Rights and responsibilities for riverside properties
Canal & River Trust: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/contact-us/ways-to-contact-us
- For properties bordering a canal
Environment Agency enquiries: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk | 03708 506 506
- Available Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm
Frequently asked questions
Act as soon as a flood warning is issued. Sign up for free flood alerts, check live warnings for your area and follow the official GOV.UK guidance on what to do in a flood. Floodline (0345 988 1188) is available 24 hours and can give you personalised advice.
No. Floodwater conceals debris, open drains and strong currents. Just 30cm of moving water can knock an adult off their feet and only 60cm can float a car. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater – find an alternative route.
The National Flood Forum provides practical and emotional support to flood-affected communities. Your local council will also provide guidance and support during and after significant flood events. The GOV.UK after-flood page has step-by-step recovery advice.
Report blocked drains or local flooding to your local council – Hull City Council or East Riding of Yorkshire Council – via their online reporting systems. For issues with sewers or water supply, contact Yorkshire Water.
Our Flood Advice section covers preparing for flooding, protecting your property, flood plans, pets, businesses and more. If you have a specific question not answered there, Floodline (0345 988 1188) and the Environment Agency are your best points of contact.
