Be Flood Ready: Protect Your Home, Family and Livelihood

A flood plan helps you prepare and respond effectively. You can download a template from  the environment agency or use this checklist:

• Key contact numbers (local council, utilities, insurance)

• Instructions for safely turning off electricity, gas and water

• A list of items to move to safety (pets, car, furniture, valuables, documents, medication)

• Contacts for people you can ask for help

• Emergency contacts for vulnerable neighbours, friends or family

Keep a kit ready with essentials to help you cope during a flood:

• Insurance documents and emergency contacts
• Torch and spare batteries
• First aid kit and prescription medicines
• Warm waterproof clothing and blankets
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio
• Supplies for babies and pets

Make sure everyone in your household knows where the kit is and what to do in an emergency.

Some changes can reduce damage and speed up recovery:

• Use tiles instead of carpets
• Raise electrical sockets
• Fit non-return valves to drains

Consider installing flood protection products:

• Flood boards for doors
• Covers for airbricks
• Sandbags

Visit Flood Mary for practical advice on property protection.

If you’re a homeowner:

• Get advice from the National Flood Forum or MoneyHelper
• Explore Flood Re for affordable insurance in flood-risk areas
• Find a broker who specialises in hard-to-insure properties

If you’re renting:

• Ask your landlord what their insurance covers
• Get contents insurance if your belongings aren’t covered

If flooding is expected or already happening:

• Turn off gas, electricity and water—only if safe to do so
• Move people, pets, vehicles and valuables to higher ground
• Use flood protection products if available
• Follow evacuation instructions from emergency services
• Check travel updates and avoid flooded roads
• Never walk or drive through flood water—it may be deeper and more dangerous than it looks

To report severe flooding in England, call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour helpline: 0800 80 70 60 or use Type Talk: 0345 602 6340.

Water levels may fluctuate—avoid flood water unless necessary

• Wash hands thoroughly after contact with flood water or contaminated item
• If insured, check your policy and document all damage with photos or videos
• Mark water levels before they recede and wait for insurer approval before repairs
• If uninsured, contact your local council for hardship support or charitable aid
• Learn about Flood RE—a scheme to help make flood insurance more affordable.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Ask about Build Back Better—some insurers offer up to £10,000 for resilient repairs beyond standard reinstatement.

If you haven't got insurance the National Flood Forum can offer help and support. Call them on 01299 403055 or visit them at National Flood Forum – A charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding.

If you are a Wolverhampton Homes tenant and need to report an emergency repairs issue during office hours, please contact 01902 556789 or, after 5pm contact the Out of Hours team via 24-hour webchat or on 01902 552999. If it's not an emergency, please report it online or on the app.

2. Check If It’s Safe to Return

Only return home when emergency services confirm it’s safe. Utility companies may need to inspect your property before reconnecting services.

3. Clean and Repair Safely

Flood water may contain sewage and chemicals. Always seek professional advice before starting repairs.
Public Health England have published guidance on how to safely clear up your home after a flood.