What to do in a flood

Find out more about where to access advice and guidance for protecting yourself and your home in heavy rain and flooding.

Flood advice for your area

Website Phone Number
England Floodline: 0345 988 1188
Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flooding incident line: 0300 2000 100

To report flooding problems on roads or burst water mains and blocked drains.

This is a non-emergency number, if you are in danger, call 999. 
Scotland Floodline, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, 0345 988 1188 Floodline: 0345 988 1188
Wales Floodline: 0345 988 1188

Flood warnings

There are three types of warnings to help you prepare for flooding and take action.

What impact might be evident

Flood Alert

Flooding is possible, be prepared
  • In Scotland, the Flood Alert is a regional product which provides a more general message for a larger geographical area about coastal, river and surface water flooding.

 

  • In England and Wales, Flood Alerts also cover larger areas than flood warnings and are issued more frequently.

Flood Warning

Flooding is expected, immediate action required
  • Flooding of homes and businesses
  • Flooding of rail lines
  • Major impacts on roads
  • Significant waves & spray
  • Inundation of flood plains, low lying and river side areas like campsites and caravan parks

Severe Flood Warning

Severe flooding is expected. This may bring a danger to life.
  • Deep and fast-flowing water.
  • Debris in the water causing danger.
  • Potential or observed collapse of buildings and structures.
  • Communities isolated by flood waters.
  • Critical infrastructure for communities disabled.
  • Potential evacuees.

In Northern Ireland a system to alert media outlets to potential issues with flooding is in place and information is issued to the public via social media channels