This is the most common and widespread natural disaster in the UK. The highest flooding risk is surface water flooding, where drainage systems are unable to cope with the volume of rainfall.
What could happen:
- damage to your home, personal property and infrastructure
- disruption to utilities such as gas, electric and water supply
- you may need to leave your home for a period of time
What the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum is doing:
- working with local flood groups such as Tadcaster, Malton and Scarborough, and emergency services, local authorities and other agencies to develop flood response plans
- investigating the causes of significant flooding across the country
- talking to housing developers to incorporate flood protection in new developments
- developing ways to alert the public as soon as possible when there is a significant flood risk
What to do if there is a flood
Before a flood you should:
- register for flood warning alerts with the Environment Agency by calling 0345 988 1188
- check your flood risk, sign up to flood warnings and find out more about how to prepare for a flood on the Environment Agency website
- plan where you can go if you need to evacuate and how you will get there
- arrange who can look after your pets and have medication on hand
- buy flood barriers such as sandbags, aqua sacs and flood boards in preparation - you can find out more from the City of York Council website
- identify neighbours who may need assistance or who can help you in case of evacuation
- put together a grab bag in case of emergency
- make sure your insurance covers flooding - Flood Re can help householders who live in a flood-risk area find affordable home insurance - find out more on the Flood Re website
During a flood you should:
- move valuable and irreplaceable items to upper floors during a flood risk where possible
- turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your home - do not touch any electrical appliances or cables when standing in flood water.
- avoid non-essential travel and do not drive, cycle or walk through flood water
- check on vulnerable neighbours who might need your help
- avoid contact with flood water and wash hands regularly as it could be contaminated with sewage or chemicals
- listen to your local BBC radio station for updates
- not return to your home until it has been properly cleaned, dried and made safe if you must evacuate
- secure doors and windows if you need to evacuate your home and bring your grab bag
- call 999 if there is immediate risk to life
After a flood you should:
- Follow Government advice on what to do - there is information on the Government website.
- Be cautious of hidden dangers in flood water like sharp objects and make sure you wear protective clothing.
- Notify your insurance company and find out if you need to clean your home or if they will get a company to do it for you. Take photos and videos before you start cleaning and make a list of any damages. For more information on insurance visit the Association of British Insurers’ website.
- If you are drying your home naturally, keep all doors and windows open.
- Wash your hands with bottled water and boil all tap water until it is declared safe to use.
Know your flood warning alerts
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Flood alert - when flooding is possible
This is used two days in advance of flooding.
What you should do:
- prepare a flood kit of essential items
- monitor flood forecasts on our website
Flood warning - flooding is expected
This is used half an hour to one day before flooding.
What you should do:
- move family, pets and valuables to a safe place
- turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so
- put flood protection equipment in place
Severe flood warning - severe flooding and danger to life
This is used when flooding poses a significant threat to life.
What you should do:
- stay in a safe place
- be ready to evacuate your home if required
- call 999 if you are in immediate danger