Why this matters
Flood water can move quickly, hide damaged roads and carry sewage, fuel, chemicals, sharp objects and electrical hazards. Even familiar streets can become unsafe, so official closures and evacuation instructions must take priority over protecting possessions.
A household plan should match the type of flooding expected locally. Record warning sources, the safest higher ground, more than one evacuation route, transport needs, a place to stay and how everyone will reconnect.
Before disruption
Prepare now
- Check official flood maps, warning services and local emergency plans, then save the alert details on paper and on each suitable phone.
- Write a personal flood plan with safe routes, meeting places, accessible transport, pet arrangements and the point at which your household will leave.
- Prepare an emergency flood kit with medicines, documents, contact details, water, ready-to-eat food, clothing, torches, charging power and hygiene supplies.
- Store insurance details, identity records, photographs and essential sentimental items above expected flood level in water-resistant containers.
- Ask utilities and qualified local professionals how to isolate electricity, gas and water safely. Never enter flood water to reach a shutoff.
- Move vehicles, mobility equipment, chemicals and important household items early when it is safe and lawful to do so.
When it is happening
Protect the next decision
- Follow current emergency-service instructions and leave when told. Do not wait until water reaches the building or the normal route is blocked.
- Never walk, swim or drive through flood water, and never move barriers or bypass a road closure.
- Keep away from fallen cables, electrical equipment, unstable structures, drains and fast-moving water.
- If trapped, contact emergency services, move to the safest higher level available and signal your location. Do not enter a roof space without a safe way out.
- Treat flood water and anything it has touched as potentially contaminated until public-health and utility authorities say otherwise.
Plan for real people
Access, care and inclusion
- Choose routes and destinations that work for wheelchairs, mobility aids, sensory needs, medical equipment, children, older people and service animals.
- Arrange more than one person who can help with transport or personal assistance because the first helper may also be affected.
- Keep waterproof communication cards, medication details and charged backup power with the person who needs them.
- Plan how schools, carers, workplaces and separated household members will confirm safety and reunite.
Mental readiness
Protect morale and clear thinking
- Agree the decision to leave in advance so rising stress does not turn into a last-minute argument.
- Give each person one clear task, repeat verified information and set a time for the next update.
- Pack a small familiar comfort item, drink or snack that helps children and adults settle after evacuation.
Common mistakes
What to avoid
- Entering flood water to retrieve belongings, take photographs or check its depth.
- Relying on one route, one vehicle, one phone or one person for the whole evacuation plan.
- Returning home, reconnecting utilities or eating affected food before the relevant authorities say it is safe.
Evidence and review
Sources behind this guide
Prepare Now uses authoritative government, humanitarian and public-health material as a starting point. Source advice can be specific to a country, hazard or date, so check the current version for your location.
- How to Prepare for FloodingUK Government
- PrepareUK Government
- Prepare for a Natural DisasterNSW Government
- Floods Response and Safety TipsSouth African Government
Editorial status: first staging edition. Safety-critical instructions will receive specialist and jurisdiction review before public launch.