Even if you don't live near a river or the sea a flood could still occur.

Floods happen quickly and cause understandable panic – but having a flood plan helps you stay in control of the situation.

What is a flood plan?

A flood plan is a way of ensuring you've considered your flood risk and have made preparations to cope should the worst occur. Floods can happen very suddenly and while you can't control the floods, having a flood plan will mean you're more in control of your reactions.

Use the checklist below as the basis of your flood plan:

• Check your insurance cover includes your buildings and contents and the sums insured are sufficient - don't underestimate the value of your contents or the rebuilding cost of your property, this will only complicate and potentially delay the handling of any claim.
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies (ask your supplier if necessary and mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember).
• Prepare a flood kit of essential items including:
  • Copies of your home insurance documents
  • A wind-up or battery radio and torch (plus spare batteries)
  • Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets
  • A first aid kit and prescription medication
  • Bottled water and non-perishable foods
  • Baby food and baby care items
  • Your list of important numbers - ensure all family members know who to contact in an emergency
  • Keep your flood kit handy.
• Think about what you can move now - don't wait for a flood. Store items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place above the level of any flood - these could be irreplaceable.
• Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood and where they go
  • Outdoor pets – do you have a suitable pet carrier for your rabbits or guinea pigs?
  • Cars – where can you park your car out of risk?
  • Furniture – can you move it upstairs or raise it above flood levels?
  • Electrical equipment – can this be moved or at least unplugged just in case?
  • Garden pot plants and furniture – if your garden borders a river, wooden furniture could be washed away. Consider securing it if it can’t be moved out of reach of the flood.
  • What else?

Important contact numbers

Environment Agency Floodline - 0845 988 1188

Insurance company 24-hour number and policy number

Local radio station frequency for news alerts and weather updates

Local authority emergency helpline

Family and neighbours

Bank phone number and details

Work phone numbers

Doctor's surgery

Local police station

Vet/kennel/cattery

Local hotel or B&B

Gas supplier and meter number

Electricity supplier and meter number

Water supplier and meter number

Electrician

Plumber

Builder