Prepare now, not when it floods
Flooding can happen quickly and with little warning. But knowing how to prepare for a flood – before water ever reaches your door – can make a real difference to your safety, your property and your peace of mind.
In Hull and the East Riding, flood preparation is something every resident, business and community should think about.
Our surveys show that more than a third of households in the city have yet to take any steps to protect themselves from future flood events. This section is here to help change that – with practical, straightforward guidance for residents, business owners and communities alike.
Start by understanding your risk
Good flood preparation starts with knowing whether, and how, your property could flood. Hull and the East Riding face flooding from rivers, surface water, tidal surges, sewers and groundwater. Your risk depends on where you live and the type of flooding most likely to affect your area.
You can check your flood risk for free using the Environment Agency's online flood map, and sign up for flood warnings so you always have advance notice.
Build your flood plan
A flood plan does not need to be complicated. It is simply a record of what you and the people around you will do if a flood warning is issued. Knowing how to prepare for a flood in advance means you can act calmly and quickly when it counts, rather than making decisions under pressure.
Our flood plan page walks you through everything you need to include – from evacuation routes and emergency contacts to grab bag essentials and utility shut-offs.
Preparing your pets
Pets are part of the family – and they need to be part of your flood plan too. Flooding can be distressing and disorienting for animals, and last-minute arrangements are stressful for everyone. A little planning goes a long way.
Looking out for your community
Flood resilience is strongest when communities look out for each other. Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, sharing information about flood warnings and coordinating local resources can all make a significant difference during a flood event.
Find out how to get involved in community flood preparation and connect with local resilience initiatives in Hull and the East Riding.
Preparing your business
Flooding can be devastating for businesses. In the 2007 floods, over 1,300 businesses in Hull were affected – many for months. Flood preparation for businesses means having a continuity plan in place, protecting critical equipment and records, and making sure your insurance covers flood risk.
Our business flood preparation page covers practical steps to protect your premises, your staff and your operations.
Take action today
The best time to think about how to prepare for a flood is before one is forecast. Start with your flood risk, build a simple plan and work through the sections below. Every step you take now is one less thing to worry about later.
Frequently asked questions
Now – before a flood is forecast. The most effective flood preparation happens when there is no immediate pressure. Signing up for flood warnings, checking your risk and making a simple plan takes very little time and could make a significant difference when a flood warning is actually issued.
Yes. In Hull and the East Riding, flood risk comes from multiple sources – including surface water and sewers – which can affect properties with no history of flooding. Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall. Knowing how to prepare for a flood is relevant for all residents, not just those in known high-risk areas.
A basic flood plan can be put together in under an hour. It does not need to be a lengthy document – a simple one-page summary of key contacts, evacuation routes, utility shut-offs and grab bag contents is enough. Our flood plan page has a template to help you get started.
A good flood kit – sometimes called a grab bag – should include a torch and spare batteries, a phone charger or power bank, any prescription medicines, copies of important documents such as insurance policies and ID, a change of clothes and some bottled water and snacks. Keep it somewhere easy to grab quickly.
Yes – in part. As a tenant, you are responsible for your own belongings and personal safety. Your landlord is responsible for the structure of the property. It is worth talking to your landlord about flood risk and checking that your contents insurance covers flooding. Our flood plan guidance is just as relevant for tenants as for homeowners.
Checking in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours before, during and after a flood is one of the most valuable things you can do. You can also share information about free flood warnings, help them build a simple plan or connect them with local support services. See our community flood preparation page for more ideas.
