Flood Preparedness in the UK: How to Protect Your Home, Business, and Community
- Interest ServeOn
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Flooding is the most frequent and damaging natural hazard communities face
across the UK. Each year, thousands of homes and businesses are affected by
rising waters, often with little warning.
At Serve On—a UK-based humanitarian response charity that supports local
resilience and international disaster relief—we understand the emotional,
financial, and physical toll floods take.
This guide uses our frontline experience to help you prepare for flooding,
protect your property, and respond more effectively when waters rise.
Understanding Flood Risk in the UK
The UK faces increasing flood vulnerability due to climate change, rising sea
levels, and more frequent extreme weather events. Major river systems such
as the Severn, Thames, and Ouse, along with low-lying coastal areas, are
particularly at risk. Urban areas with poor drainage systems also experience
flash flooding.
The Environment Agency reports:
Over 5.2 million properties in England alone are at risk of flooding.
One in six properties faces vulnerability to flooding from rivers, the sea, or
surface water.
You can check your flood risk using the Environment Agency’s online tool:
Step 1: Understand Your Flood Risk
Before you protect your home or business, you need to understand your
exposure level.
How to assess your risk:
Use the Environment Agency’s flood map to check your postcode.
Sign up for free flood alerts by text, email, or phone.
Contact your local authority for information on past flood events.
If you live in a high-risk area, having a comprehensive flood plan is crucial.
Step 2: Create a Flood Plan
A personal or business flood plan helps you act quickly and well.
Your plan should include:
Emergency contacts: family, friends, insurers, local council.
Safe evacuation routes and a place to stay.
Instructions for Shutting Off Gas, Electricity, and Water.
A list of important items to take (documents, medication, valuables).
Businesses should also include:
A staff evacuation process.
Data and equipment protection measures.
A business continuity approach.
You can download free flood plan templates from the Environment Agency or
from Serve On’s community resilience toolkit.
Step 3: Prepare an Emergency Kit
Prepare a grab bag or emergency kit in advance. It should be easy to access
and waterproof.
Important items:
Copies of ID, insurance documents, and prescriptions.
Mobile phone and charger (a battery pack is best).
Torch/Flashlight and spare batteries.
First aid kit.
Bottled water and food that does not spoil.
Warm clothes, waterproofs, and blankets.
Hygiene items: hand sanitiser, tissues, wet wipes.
Items for children, pets, or vulnerable family members.
For businesses, consider including digital backups of important files and spare
equipment whenever possible.
Step 4: Flood-Proof Your Property
There are temporary and permanent ways to protect your home or business.
Low-cost, quick actions:
Sandbags and flood barriers: Keep some on hand or know where to collect them from your local council.
Plastic sheeting and sealant: Use to temporarily seal doors and air bricks.
Move valuables and electrical items upstairs or to higher shelves when
flooding is likely to occur.
Permanent flood defences:
Install flood doors or barriers on entrances.
Raise electrical sockets and fuse boxes above expected flood levels.
Install non-return valves on drains and toilets to prevent backflow.
Waterproof walls and floors with special treatments.
Landscaping: Install surfaces that allow water to pass through or create
runoff channels to direct water away.
The Flood Resilience Grant Scheme (when available) may offer financial
support for these measures after a large flood.
Step 5: Protect Your Business
Businesses face physical damage, as well as operational and reputational
problems. In addition to protecting your premises:
Essential steps for businesses:
Back up digital data in the cloud.
Keep stock and important documents above flood level.
Ensure that your insurance covers flood damage and lost income.
Find suppliers or clients in high-risk areas.
Create a recovery and communication plan.
A business continuity plan is crucial for reducing downtime and supporting
your team during recovery.
Step 6: Insurance: Are You Covered?
Many standard home and business insurance policies do not cover flood
damage unless you ask for it.
Tips:
Review your policy and discuss flood coverage with your insurer.
Take photographs of your property and valuables before an event.
Keep a detailed list for claims.
If you have struggled to obtain insurance, consider Flood Re
https://www.floodre.co.uk, a joint initiative between the government and insurers designed to help people in flood-prone areas access affordable
coverage.
Step 7: During a Flood: Stay Safe
When flood alerts are issued, act quickly:
What to do:
Listen to local radio or check the GOV.UK or the Environment Agency for
updates.
Move to higher ground.
Do not walk or drive through floodwater. Just 15 cm of water can knock
you over, and 60 cm can float a car.
Turn off the gas, electricity, and water at the main supply (if it is safe to
do so).
Keep pets safe and close by.
Use flood barriers and block doorways if possible.
Emergency services may be busy—rescue teams, including Serve On
volunteers, often support local efforts—but acting for yourself is important in
the first hours.
Step 8: After a Flood: Recovery and Resilience
Do not return until authorities say it is safe.
When you return:
Wear protective clothing.
Take photos before you start cleaning (for insurance claims).
Discard spoiled food and drink.
Ventilate and dry your home as soon as possible.
Boil water if authorities advise it.
Contact your insurer, local council, and support agencies.
For your mental health:
Flooding can be upsetting. It is normal to feel overwhelmed. Consult your GP,
contact support services, or reach out to charities such as Mind or the British
Red Cross for emotional support.
How Serve On Helps
At Serve On, we train and send out volunteers to support communities in the
UK and other countries. Our Water and Flood Response Teams work with local
authorities, emergency services, and residents to:
Help with evacuations
Provide sandbagging and barrier support
Deliver aid and welfare checks
Offer recovery guidance and emotional support
We also conduct preparedness workshops, where we help communities
develop local flood plans, conduct drills, and teach practical skills.
To get involved or would like us to conduct a community workshop, visit:
Building Long-Term Resilience
Flooding is no longer a rare event. It happens increasingly often. Building long-
term resilience means:
Supporting sound drainage systems (SuDS) in city planning
Asking for better flood defences
Creating flood-aware schools, workplaces, and councils
Working with nature: bringing back wetlands and planting trees to slow water
runoff
Everyone—from individuals to the national government—plays a role in
addressing the rising water levels.
Final Words
Floods are powerful. But with the right preparation, their impact does not have
to be terrible. By taking steps to protect your home, business, and community,
you can reduce risk, recover more quickly, and support others.
At Serve On, we believe in prepared people, resilient communities, and
standing together when disaster happens.
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