Prep

Flood kit checklist

What to pack, how to prepare your home, and what to do when a flood is expected. Tick things off and print the list. Nothing leaves this browser.

Never walk or drive through flood water. It may contain sewage and hidden hazards, and Be Ready says driving through it is the number one cause of death during flooding. In immediate danger, call 999.

Who's it for?

Adults
2
Children
0

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Your flood checklist

Water is per person, at Be Ready's 3 litres a day. The rest is one per home.

Check it again every 6 months.

Pack a grab bag

These are the items on Be Ready's flooding page. Keep the bag within reach.

Prepare your home

When a flood is expected

From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.

How it works

This list comes from Be Ready's flooding page, which is for England. The grab bag items are the page's own suggestions. Water is scaled at the 3 litres a day on the Be Ready checklist.

Sign up for flood warnings first: it's free and it tells you when to act. You can have warnings sent to a friend or relative if you need help. Floodline's number is 0345 988 1188, for England, Scotland and Wales, and the textphone is 0345 602 6340.

To report severe river or coastal flooding in England, call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, at any hour. If your home is unlivable, contact your local council for emergency accommodation.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate guidance, linked from Be Ready's flooding page.

Common questions

What should I put in a flood grab bag?

Be Ready suggests any medication you need, a first aid kit, important documents, a torch, bottled water, warm waterproof clothing and baby care items. Keep it within reach.

How do I sign up for flood warnings?

In England, sign up online through GOV.UK. In England, Scotland and Wales you can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can get warnings by phone, text or email.

Should I turn off the gas and electricity in a flood?

If it's safe, yes. Be Ready says to turn off gas, electricity and water, and never to touch an electrical switch if you're standing in water.

How do I keep documents safe in a flood?

Keep them in resealable waterproof plastic bags, and move sentimental or valuable items upstairs or somewhere high.

What do I do after a flood?

Stay out of flood water, wash your hands well after contact with it, and photograph all the damage. Get your insurer's approval before repairs, and don't throw things away until you're told to.

Sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.

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