Your flood plan starts today
A flood plan is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your home. It does not need to be long or complicated – just a clear record of what you will do, who you will contact and where you will go if a flood warning is issued.
Having a plan in place means you can act quickly and calmly when it counts, rather than making decisions under pressure. It takes less than an hour to put together but it could make all the difference.
What to include in your flood plan
Every household is different, so your plan should reflect your own circumstances. Here are the key things to include:
Emergency contacts
Write down phone numbers for everyone in your household, plus key contacts such as your insurance provider, utility companies and a trusted neighbour or relative. Include people who could help if you are away from home when a flood warning is issued.
How you will receive flood warnings
Note how you are signed up to receive flood alerts – by text, email or phone call – and which local rivers, drains or tidal sources affect your area. If you are not yet signed up, you can register for free.
Actions to take before a flood
List the steps you will take as soon as a flood warning is issued:
Move valuables, documents and electricals to upper floors.
Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains.
Bring in outdoor furniture and secure anything that could be moved by floodwater.
Put down any flood barriers or door guards you have in place.
Collect your flood kit and make sure it is ready to go.
Evacuation arrangements
Know where you would go if you needed to leave your home – and how you would get there. Include at least one alternative route in case roads are flooded. If you have pets, make sure your plan includes arrangements for them too.
Specific household needs
Note anything that needs extra consideration – such as prescription medications, medical equipment, mobility aids or the needs of young children, elderly relatives or anyone with a disability. Include contact details for any carers or support services.
Put together a flood kit
A flood kit – sometimes called a grab bag – means you have everything you need in one place, ready to pick up quickly if you need to leave your home. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as under the stairs or near the front door, and check its contents at least once a year.
Your flood kit should include:
- Torch and spare batteries
- Battery-powered or wind-up radio
- Mobile phone charger and power bank
- First aid kit
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- Prescription medicines and any medical equipment
- Important documents in a waterproof folder – insurance policies, ID, bank details
- Spare glasses or contact lenses if needed
- Warm, waterproof clothing and a change of clothes
- Blankets
- Cash and bank cards
- Toiletries and any baby or infant supplies if needed
- Provisions and carriers for pets
- Notepad and pen
Keep your plan up to date
A flood plan is only useful if it reflects your current circumstances. Review it at least once a year – or whenever something significant changes, such as moving home, a change in household members, a new phone number or updated flood risk information for your area.
Make sure everyone in your household knows where the plan is kept and has read through it. If you have children, it is worth talking through what to do in a flood so they feel confident rather than frightened.
Download the official flood plan template
The UK Government provides a free personal flood plan template with guided sections and checklists to help you work through every step. It is the easiest way to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A flood plan is useful for anyone at risk – and in Hull and the East Riding, that covers a very wide area. Flooding can come from rivers, surface water, sewers and groundwater, affecting properties with no previous history of flooding. Having a plan ready costs nothing and could save you significant stress and damage.
Most people can put together a basic plan in under an hour using the Government template. You can always add to it over time – the important thing is to start. Even a simple one-page document covering key contacts, evacuation routes and grab bag contents is far better than nothing.
Yes – make sure everyone in your household knows where it is kept and has read through it. It is also worth sharing key points with a trusted neighbour or relative, particularly if you travel or work away from home. They could act on your behalf if a flood warning is issued while you are out.
A flood plan is a written record of what you will do if flooding is likely – who to contact, where to go and what actions to take. A flood kit is a physical collection of essential items kept ready to grab quickly. Both work together – your plan should include a reminder to collect your kit as one of the first steps to take when a flood warning is issued.
A flood plan is just as important for tenants. You are responsible for your own belongings and personal safety, regardless of whether you own or rent your home. Check that your contents insurance covers flood damage, and speak to your landlord about what flood protection measures are in place for the property.
Yes – and you should. A business flood plan covers staff safety, protecting equipment and stock, communication procedures and maintaining operations during and after a flood. See our dedicated business flood preparation page for guidance.
