Flooding

What makes this different

Flooding is one of the most likely emergencies in the North West. Surface water from heavy rain can flood streets within an hour; rivers such as the Irwell, Mersey, Ribble, Lune and Eden can rise over hours.

Check now

• Floodline: 0345 988 1188, or the GOV.UK flood warnings page.
• Warning levels: Flood alert (be prepared), Flood warning (act now), Severe flood warning (danger to life).

First hour (flood warning)

• Move people, pets, medicines, documents and valuables upstairs.
• Move the van to high ground, away from rivers.
• Turn off gas, electricity and water at the mains if water is about to enter. Do not touch electrics if you are standing in water.
• Put flood boards and sandbags or plastic bags of soil against doors and airbricks.
• Pack grab bags.

Stay or go?

Go if told to evacuate, or if water is rising towards the house and you have a safe route. Stay upstairs if water is already around the house: never walk or drive through floodwater. 30 cm of moving water can float a car.

After the flood

• Floodwater carries sewage and chemicals. Wear gloves and boots, and wash hands well.
• Do not use electrics that have been wet until checked by an electrician.
• Photograph everything for the insurance claim before cleaning up.
• Throw away food that touched floodwater.