Alerts

• sign up for and check for flood warnings in your area on the Environment Agency website. There are three types of flood warning:
  • flood alert means flooding is possible
  • flood warning means flooding is expected
  • severe flood warning means flooding could be a risk to life and significant disruption to communities

You should take flood warnings very seriously. The action you need to take is different for each warning - for further details visit the government's flood alerts page.

• check the Met Office website for weather updates

Prepare your home/business

• for advice to help you prepare for flooding, and what you should do during and after a flood visit the government’s website. The BeFloodReady website also provides information to help you prepare your home or business for a flood
• move valuable and irreplaceable items to upper floors during a time of flood risk where possible
• turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if possible

Evacuation

• put together an emergency grab bag in case you need to leave home at short notice - this should contain items like toiletries, medication and bottled water
• plan where you can go if you need to leave your property and how you will get there
• arrange who can look after your pets
• identify neighbours who may need assistance or who can provide assistance to you in case of evacuation

Contacts

• for immediate danger to life, call 999
• sewage or water pipe flooding should be reported to Yorkshire Water, Northumbrian Water, or United Utilities
• for river flooding contact The Environment Agency:
  • for advice about flood warnings contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour service)
  • for queries about main rivers or flooding from the sea contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or 0345 988 1188

Property

• request sandbags for flood protection in North Yorkshire. Visit the City of York Council's website to read their sandbag policy
• expect damage to property, disruption to gas, electricity and broadband services, as well as other services; evacuation may be necessary in some cases
• check on vulnerable neighbours and coordinate repairs
• be cautious around weakened structures such as fences, trees, and walls

Travel

• follow warnings and never drive or walk through floodwater as just a few inches of water can knock you off your feet. The water could also be contaminated and you cannot see hazards, such as lifted manhole covers
• check our road closure in North Yorkshire page or road closures in the City of York
• view road conditions across North Yorkshire on our road cameras page
• report road flooding to North Yorkshire Council online, or for floods in York via the City of York Council website. We are not responsible for flooding on major trunk roads, such as the A1, A1(M), M62, A66, A66(M), A64, A168 and A19, so you should contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 (24 hour service)

• check the Met Office website for weather warnings
• secure outdoor items, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, before a storm to prevent them from being blown around
• park vehicles away from trees, walls, or fences - use a garage where possible
• be aware of a flood risk by signing up to flood warnings on the government's website.

• follow official guidance - avoid travel if necessary or allow extra time for your journey
• do not drive through flooded roads - instead, turn around and choose main roads to avoid side-winds. Check road closure information in North Yorkshire and temporary road closures in the City of York
• view the road conditions across North Yorkshire from our weather station cameras
• stay indoors and report any infrastructure damage
• check on family, the elderly, and neighbours, and arrange necessary repairs
• stay alert for weakened structures like trees and fences

• monitor Met Office forecasts and severe weather warnings
• prepare yourself and your vehicle with:
  • enough fuel
  • enough screen wash
  • suitable tyres
  • a high-visibility jacket
  • blankets
  • food
  • a hot drink and a shovel

Find out more on the Met Office travel page.

Health

• keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
• overnight emergency accommodation for rough sleepers is available during periods of severe weather - for details visit our rough sleeping page
• close curtains to retain heat
• dress warmly

Property

• clear pathways
• inspect property for frost damage

Travel

• take extra care when walking on ice or snow
• drive gently and keep a safe distance from other cars
• avoid unnecessary travel and allow more time if you must go out
• view road conditions across North Yorkshire from our weather station cameras
• check road closure information in North Yorkshire and road closure information in the City of York

• check the Met Office website for weather warnings and the weather forecast
• be aware of the signs of heat-related illness - read about the symptoms on the NHS website
• stock up on water, food, and medication to avoid travel during peak heat

• block direct sun by closing curtains in sun-facing rooms
• stay cool - outdoor temperatures may be cooler
• drink plenty of fluids
• avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 3 pm
• check on vulnerable neighbours regularly
• take extra care near open water
• if experiencing heat-related illness, seek medical advice, and rest and recover

You can find more information about staying cool in hot weather on our hot weather page. Advice on how to cope in hot weather is available on the NHS website.

• avoid disposable barbecues and open fires in open spaces
• take all litter with you, especially glass bottles
• put out cigarettes properly and carry matches safely

Outside

• avoid areas affected by smoke
• if driving in smoky areas, keep your windows and air vents closed, and switch off air conditioning systems to prevent drawing in outside air
• check road closures in North Yorkshire and road closures in the City of York

In your home

• keep curtains drawn to block sunlight-induced heat
• use fans, lightweight clothing and drink plenty
• open windows that are on the opposite side to the smoke when it is safe to do so and when the air feels cooler outside than on the inside, for example at night. This will get air flowing through the property
• once the smoke has moved away, consider opening doors and windows to allow properties to cool down. Be alert to changing conditions as the smoke could return

Health

• being exposed to wildfire smoke is unlikely to cause long-term health effects. People most affected by smoke are those with existing breathing problems, lung or heart conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic pulmonary disease or heart disease. Also at greater risk are:
  • the very young and elderly
  • smokers
  • people with flu or flu-like illnesses
• smoke can irritate air passages, skin and eyes, resulting in coughing and wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain. Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary medication or inhalers with them at all times. They should get medical advice if their symptoms get worse by contacting their GP or calling NHS 111
• anyone experiencing discomfort, such as sore eyes, a cough or sore throat, should consider reducing any activity, especially outdoors