The Flood Hub

This blog has been written by The Flood Hub People.

Knowing whether your home or business is at risk of flooding and signing up for flood warnings is vital. But equally important is understanding what each type of flood alert and warning means, so you can take the right action at the right time.

 

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A poll conducted by the Environment Agency highlighted why understanding flood alerts is so important: out of 1,199 respondents, 51% thought a Flood Alert meant a higher risk than a Flood Warning. This is incorrect and shows there’s a real need for better awareness.

Understanding the flood alert system is key to protecting yourself, your family, and your property. Here’s a clear guide to the different stages and what they mean:

 

 

Flood Alert

At this stage flooding is POSSIBLE and it is important that you stay alert and vigilant. You can make early preparations for a potential flood by:

• Monitoring the situation through forecasts, local radio stations and monitoring stations
• Finding your flood barriers and other flood defence measures and having them ready to install
• Checking your flood plan is filled in and your flood kit is complete and ready if needed.

 

 

Flood Warning

This means that flooding is EXPECTED and immediate action is required to protect yourself and your property. It is important that you:

• Install your flood barriers and flood defences, if you have them
• Continue to monitor the situation
• Carry out actions detailed in your flood plan

 

 

Severe Flood Warning

This means that SEVERE flooding IS EXPECTED and there is significant risk to life and property. At this stage you should prepare to evacuate and cooperate with the emergency services. Before you evacuate your property, you should:

• Get your flood kit before evacuating and
• Turn off your utility supplies.

 

 

For more detailed guidance, you can download our Flood Warnings Resource here.

 

How the Flood Warning System Works

The Environment Agency monitors rivers, coasts and rainfall to identify flood risk. They use river gauges, rainfall data and coastal monitoring stations to track water levels. When thresholds are reached that could cause flooding, flood alerts and warnings are issued, giving homeowners and businesses time to prepare.

It’s important to remember that the flood warning system primarily covers main rivers and coastal areas, so you may need alternative flood warning triggers if your risk comes from surface water, groundwater or reservoirs.

 

 

Sign Up for Flood Warnings and Stay Informed

To check if your property is at risk and register for the Environment Agency’s free Flood Warning Service, visit the ‘Am I at Risk?’ page on The Flood Hub here.

You can receive alerts via email, SMS, phone call or the Environment Agency app, making it easier to act quickly.

 

Note: The Flood Warning Service covers main river and coastal flooding only.

If your property is at risk from other sources of flooding, or you are not eligible for the Environment Agency service, there are alternative flood warning triggers available. Learn more in our Alternative Flood Warning Resources here.