Flood Action Week:2026: Risk To Resilience

 

Your Complete Guide to Understanding, Preparing for and Recovering from Flooding

 

Flooding can affect homes, businesses and communities across the UK, often with little warning. While flooding cannot always be prevented, understanding your risk and taking practical steps to prepare can help reduce the damage it causes and make recovery easier.

Flood Action Week is the Environment Agency’s annual campaign to raise awareness of flood risk and encourage people to take action. From checking whether your property is at risk to exploring flood resilience measures, preparing a flood plan and knowing where to find support, there are steps you can take to become better prepared.

In this guide, we explain the different types of flooding, common ways water can enter a property, the measures that can help reduce its impact, and what to do before, during and after a flood.

 

1. Understanding Flood Risk

 

What is Flood Action Week?

Flood Action Week is an annual campaign led by the Environment Agency to encourage people to understand their flood risk and prepare for flooding.

The campaign highlights practical steps everyone can take, including checking their long-term flood risk, signing up for flood warnings and preparing a flood plan.

Taking action before flooding happens can give you more time to respond, help keep people safe and reduce the potential damage to your property and belongings.

 

What is flooding?

Flooding is a temporary condition in which water covers land that would normally be dry. It can happen when rivers overflow, heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, groundwater rises or seawater moves inland.

Flooding can develop gradually or happen rapidly, depending on its source and the conditions involved. It can affect properties in rural and urban areas, including places that are not close to a river or the coast.

 

Who is at risk of flooding?

Flood risk affects more people and places than many realise. According to the Environment Agency’s National Flood Risk Assessment, around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water or a combination of these sources.

That figure could rise to around 8 million properties by mid-century as the effects of climate change increase flood risk.

Properties are not necessarily safe simply because they have never flooded before, are situated on higher ground or are some distance from a river. Local drainage, ground conditions, the surrounding landscape and the intensity of rainfall can all influence flood risk.

 

What causes flooding?

Heavy or prolonged rainfall is a major cause of flooding in the UK. When large amounts of rain fall in a short period, or the ground is already saturated, water may be unable to drain away or soak into the soil quickly enough.

This can cause rivers to overflow, surface water to accumulate on roads and around buildings, and drainage systems to become overwhelmed.

Other causes include high tides, storm surges, rising groundwater and sewer networks that cannot cope with the volume of water entering them.

Understanding the potential sources of flooding in your area is an important first step towards choosing appropriate measures to reduce its impact.

 

2. Flood Facts: Why Preparation Matters

 

Flooding can have significant financial, practical and emotional consequences. These figures help explain why understanding your risk and preparing in advance are so important.

• £30,000: The average payout for a domestic flood insurance claim reached £30,000 in 2025, a 60% increase on the previous year.
• 6.3 million: Around 6.3 million homes and businesses in England are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water.
• 1 in 4: By mid-century, around one in four properties in England could be in an area at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water.
• 30cm: Just 30cm of floodwater can be enough to move a car, demonstrating the danger of driving through floodwater.
• Half: Around half of households identified as being at risk of flooding do not believe it will happen to them.
• 45%: Almost half of people who experienced flood or storm damage to their current home said they wished they had taken more steps to reduce the risk.
• £8: For every £1 invested in flood schemes, at least £8 of economic damage is avoided, according to the Environment Agency.

These statistics highlight the scale of the challenge, but they also demonstrate the value of preparation. Checking your flood risk, understanding how water could enter your property and considering suitable resilience measures can all help you make informed decisions.

 

3. Flood Myths: Five Common Misconceptions

 

Misunderstandings about flood risk can prevent people from taking action. Here are five common myths worth challenging.

 

Myth 1: “I don’t live near a river, so I’m not at risk.”

Fact: Surface water flooding can happen almost anywhere.

Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drains and sewers, causing water to accumulate on roads, gardens and around properties. This can happen many miles from a river or coastline.

More than 4.6 million properties in England are in areas at risk of surface water flooding, according to the Environment Agency.

 

Myth 2: “I live on a hill, so I can’t flood.”

Fact: Higher ground does not eliminate flood risk.

Rainwater flows downhill and can collect in dips, gardens, roads and other low-lying areas. When drains become overwhelmed, water may build up faster than it can escape, including around buildings situated on higher ground.

 

Myth 3: “My home has never flooded, so I’m not at risk.”

Fact: Past experience does not guarantee future safety.

Flooding can occur after an unusually intense rainfall event or when local conditions change. Drainage systems, nearby development and changing weather patterns can all influence the risk.

Even if your property has never flooded, it is worth checking its long-term risk.

 

Myth 4: “Flooding only happens in winter.”

Fact: Flooding can occur at any time of year.

Heavy summer thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall in a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rapid surface water flooding.

Winter rainfall, saturated ground and high river levels can create different risks, but flood preparedness matters throughout the year.

 

Myth 5: “A few centimetres of water can’t do much damage.”

Fact: Even shallow floodwater can cause significant damage and disruption.

Water can damage flooring, furniture, electrical systems and other belongings. It can also contaminate a property and create lengthy cleaning and drying requirements.

The Environment Agency estimates that 83% of properties in high-risk surface water areas are in locations where likely flood depths are less than 30cm. Shallow flooding should not be mistaken for harmless flooding.

 

4. The Main Types of Flooding

 

Flooding can occur in several different ways. Knowing which sources may affect your property helps you understand what measures could be appropriate.

 

River flooding (fluvial)

River flooding happens when heavy or prolonged rainfall causes a river or stream to exceed its capacity and spill over its banks onto surrounding land.

It can affect properties, roads, agricultural land and infrastructure near watercourses. The speed at which river levels rise depends on factors such as rainfall intensity, the size of the catchment and the condition of the ground.

Surface water flooding (pluvial)

Surface water flooding occurs when rainfall cannot soak into the ground or drain away quickly enough.

It is particularly common in built-up areas where roofs, roads, driveways and pavements prevent water from naturally soaking into the soil. Water may collect in low spots, flow down streets or enter properties through vulnerable openings.

Coastal flooding (tidal)

Coastal flooding happens when seawater moves inland onto normally dry land.

High tides, strong winds and storm surges can raise sea levels and overwhelm or breach coastal defences. Coastal flooding can affect homes, businesses, roads and other infrastructure near the shoreline.

Groundwater flooding

Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table rises and water reaches the ground surface.

It often follows prolonged periods of rainfall, particularly where the ground is already saturated or local geology allows groundwater levels to rise. Unlike some flash floods, groundwater flooding can develop slowly and persist for an extended period.

Sewer flooding

Sewer flooding occurs when sewer or drainage networks become blocked or overwhelmed. Wastewater can then back up through drains and toilets or escape into streets and gardens.

Sewer flooding can introduce contaminated water into a property, making it particularly important to follow appropriate safety advice during and after an incident.

 

Read more about the different types of flooding here.

 

5. How to Check Your Flood Risk and Stay Informed

 

Understanding your flood risk is one of the most useful steps you can take before flooding occurs.

 

Check your long-term flood risk

The government’s online service allows you to check an area’s long-term risk from rivers and the sea, surface water and reservoirs, with groundwater information available where data exists.

Use the official service to start understanding your property’s potential exposure to flooding:

Check the long-term flood risk for an area in England

The service provides information about an area rather than a definitive prediction of whether an individual property will flood. A more detailed assessment may be needed to understand how the risk applies to your particular building.

 

Sign up for flood warnings

The Environment Agency provides free flood warnings and alerts in eligible areas. Signing up can give you additional time to prepare and put your flood plan into action.

Sign up for flood warnings

 

Check live flood alerts and warnings

When severe weather is expected, check the latest information about flooding in your area. Conditions can change quickly, so continue monitoring official updates and follow instructions from the emergency services.

Check for flooding in England

 

6. Understanding Flood Warnings

 

In England, Environment Agency flood messages distinguish between different levels of risk. Understanding what they mean can help you respond appropriately.

 

Flood Alert: Prepare now

A flood alert means flooding is possible. You should begin preparing and remain alert to changing conditions.

If a flood alert is issued:

• Be ready to follow your flood plan.
• Gather insurance documents, medication and other essentials.
• Check that your flood equipment is accessible and ready to use.
• Avoid walking, cycling or driving through floodwater.
• Move livestock and farming equipment away from areas likely to flood where it is safe to do so.

 

Flood Warning: Act now

A flood warning means flooding is expected. You should take immediate action to keep yourself and others safe.

If a flood warning is issued:

• Move family members, pets and valuables to a safe place.
• Move to higher ground or an upper floor if necessary.
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so.
• Deploy suitable flood resistance equipment if conditions allow and it is safe.
• Follow instructions from the emergency services.
• Help neighbours or others who may need assistance, provided you do not put yourself at risk.

 

Severe Flood Warning: Danger to life

A severe flood warning means flooding presents a significant danger to life and may cause major disruption to communities.

If one is issued:

• Stay in a safe place and be prepared to evacuate.
• Follow instructions from the emergency services.
• Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
• If caught in a flash flood, move to higher ground or an upper floor if it is safe to do so.

The time available to respond varies with the circumstances. Never rely on receiving a warning before flooding begins, and do not delay taking action if you can already see that conditions are dangerous.

For the latest information about warning levels and recommended actions, consult the official flood warnings guidance.

 

7. How Can Floodwater Enter Your Property?

 

Floodwater can enter a building through more routes than many people realise. Identifying these potential entry points is an important part of assessing flood risk and choosing appropriate Property Flood Resilience measures.

Doors

Front, back, side and garage doors can allow water to enter through gaps around the door, frame or threshold. Large garage openings can be particularly vulnerable.

Windows

Low-level windows may allow water to enter through gaps around frames, seals and other vulnerable areas.

Airbricks

Airbricks provide ventilation to buildings but can also allow floodwater into wall cavities and internal spaces. Low-level openings may be particularly exposed.

Weep vents

Weep vents allow moisture to drain from cavity walls. Their openings can also provide a route for floodwater to enter the wall cavity.

Cable entry points

Electricity, telecommunications and other service cables pass through external walls. Gaps around these entry points can allow water to penetrate the building.

Toilets

When sewer networks become overwhelmed, wastewater can back up through toilets and drainage systems, potentially introducing contaminated water into a property.

Pipes

Gaps around pipes and service entries can provide routes for water to enter, particularly where openings are close to ground level.

Cellars and basements

Below-ground rooms are particularly vulnerable because water can enter through doors, windows, walls, floors and drainage systems. Groundwater pressure can also contribute to water ingress.

Vents

Low-level ventilation openings, including those serving kitchens, bathrooms and other equipment, may provide additional entry points.

Walls and floors

Floodwater can seep through porous masonry, cracks, joints and other parts of a building’s structure, particularly during prolonged flooding.

A successful flood resilience strategy considers the property as a whole. Addressing one doorway alone may not be sufficient if water can still enter through other vulnerable areas.

 

8. What Is Property Flood Resilience (PFR)?

 

Property Flood Resilience, commonly known as PFR, describes the measures and approaches that help reduce the impact of flooding on a building and its occupants.

PFR generally involves two complementary strategies: flood resistance and flood recoverability.

 

Flood resistance: Help keep water out

Flood resistance measures aim to prevent or reduce the amount of water entering a property.

These can include permanent products that remain in place during normal conditions, as well as temporary measures installed when flooding is expected.

 

Flood recoverability: Reduce damage if water enters

Flood recoverability measures aim to minimise damage if floodwater enters the building. They can make cleaning, drying, repairs and reoccupation easier.

For example, suitable flooring and wall materials may be easier to clean and dry than conventional alternatives, while raised electrical systems can help reduce damage to essential services.

Combining resistance and recoverability measures can provide a more comprehensive approach than relying on a single product or technique.

The most appropriate combination depends on the property’s construction, likely flood depth and duration, the source of the water and the needs of the people using the building.

 

9. Flood Resistance Measures

 

A range of products and building adaptations can help reduce the risk of floodwater entering a property. The right combination should be determined by an appropriate assessment.

 

Flood doors

Specially designed flood doors use features such as enhanced seals, thresholds and locking systems to help resist water entering through external doorways.

Flood windows

Flood-resistant windows are designed to help resist water entering through vulnerable window openings, particularly at low level.

Flood barriers

Permanent or demountable flood barriers can be installed across doorways, driveways and other openings. Temporary barriers generally need to be deployed when flooding is expected, while permanent systems remain in place.

Anti-flood airbricks

Anti-flood airbricks are designed to allow ventilation during normal conditions while helping prevent floodwater entering through airbrick openings. They can replace vulnerable standard airbricks.

One-way weep vents

One-way weep vents allow moisture to drain from a cavity wall while helping prevent floodwater from flowing back through the opening.

Vent covers

Flood-resistant vent covers can help resist water entering through vulnerable external vents. Depending on the design, they may need to be fitted when flooding is expected and removed or opened during normal conditions.

Wall tanking polymer

Tanking polymer creates a waterproof barrier on suitable wall surfaces, helping resist water penetration through the building fabric. Its suitability depends on the wall construction, the conditions and the intended application.

Water-repellent wall treatments

Suitable water-repellent treatments can reduce water absorption through porous masonry while allowing the wall to remain breathable. These treatments are not a substitute for a complete flood resilience assessment.

Non-return and backwater valves

Non-return or backwater valves help prevent wastewater and floodwater from flowing backwards through drainage systems and into a property when sewers or drains become overwhelmed.

Toilet bungs

Inflatable toilet bungs temporarily seal suitable toilet openings to help prevent contaminated water backing up through toilets during sewer flooding. They must be appropriate for the installation and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pumps

Pumps can remove water that has entered a property or collect water in vulnerable areas such as basements and cellars. They should be selected and installed appropriately, with electrical safety and the safe disposal of pumped water carefully considered.

Important: Flood resistance measures are not suitable for every building or every flood scenario. Water can enter through overlooked openings, and excessive water pressure can affect a building’s structure. A professional assessment should consider likely flood depths, structural implications and the appropriate performance of any proposed measures.

 

10. Flood Recoverability Measures

 

Even when measures are installed to resist floodwater, it may not always be possible to keep all water out. Recoverability measures can help reduce damage and make it easier to clean, dry and reinstate a property.

 

Raised electrical systems

Raising plug sockets, consumer units and utility meters above anticipated flood levels can help reduce the risk of damage. TVs and other electrical equipment can also be positioned higher where practical.

Electrical alterations should be planned and carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.

Flood-resilient kitchens

Kitchen units, cupboard doors and worktops made from suitable water-resistant materials may be easier to clean after a flood and less likely to require replacement.

Depending on the design and application, options may include stainless steel and suitable waterproof construction boards.

Flood-resilient walls

Choosing appropriate wall materials can make cleaning and drying easier after flooding. Lime-based plaster can help walls breathe as they dry, while suitable magnesium oxide boards may be less vulnerable to water absorption than conventional plasterboard.

Materials must be selected for the building and installed correctly to achieve the intended benefits.

Raised appliances

Raising washing machines, fridges, freezers and boilers above anticipated flood levels can help reduce the risk of damage. Where this is not practical, positioning appliances in less vulnerable areas may make recovery easier.

Boilers and other gas or electrical equipment should only be altered or relocated by suitably qualified professionals.

Flood-resilient flooring

Hard flooring, such as suitable tiles or sealed concrete, is generally easier to clean after flooding than carpets and underlay.

Removable carpets and rugs can be taken away for cleaning or drying. Depending on the floor construction, a suitable waterproof membrane may also help reduce water penetration.

Recoverability measures should be selected with the property’s construction and likely flood conditions in mind. No single material or product makes a building completely flood-proof.

 

11. Getting a Flood Risk Assessment

 

Before investing in flood resilience measures, it is important to understand how flooding could affect your property and what actions may be appropriate.

 

What is a Flood Risk Assessment?

A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) brings together information about a property’s location, local flood history, available flood mapping, ground levels, construction and other relevant data.

It can help identify potential sources of flooding, how they may affect the property and what further investigation or mitigation may be appropriate.

The scope of an assessment varies depending on the property and the reason for undertaking it.

 

What does an FRA contain?

A Flood Risk Assessment may consider:

• Flood sources: Where floodwater could come from, including rivers, surface water, groundwater, the coast or drainage systems.
• Flood history: Whether the area or property has flooded before.
• Flood mapping and data: What available information indicates about the level and nature of the risk.
• Property characteristics: How the building’s location, ground levels, layout, construction and existing features may influence its vulnerability.
• Recommendations: What further investigation or flood resilience measures may be appropriate.

 

How do I get a Flood Risk Assessment?

There are several ways to arrange an assessment.

Independently: You can commission an assessment if you have flooded before, believe your property may be at risk, or are buying or developing a property in a flood risk area.

Through insurance: If your property has flooded and you are making an insurance claim, your insurer may arrange an assessment as part of the claims and reinstatement process.

As part of a scheme: If your property qualifies for a flood resilience or recovery scheme, an assessment may be arranged as part of the programme.

 

What happens after the assessment?

The report should help you understand your property’s flood risk and make informed decisions about what to do next.

Depending on the findings, this could involve further investigation, identifying suitable resistance and recoverability measures, obtaining specifications and quotations, or exploring funding and support.

The assessment should inform the choice of measures rather than assuming that a particular product will be suitable for every property.

 

12. Funding and Support for Flood Resilience

 

The cost of flood resilience measures can be a concern for property owners. Depending on your circumstances and location, several sources of financial support may be worth investigating.

 

Flood resilience grants

Local councils and other organisations may offer grants to eligible property owners to help pay for flood resilience measures.

Support may be available after a flood or for properties identified as being at risk. Funding arrangements, eligibility requirements and the measures covered vary by area.

Contact your local council to find out whether any grants or recovery programmes are available. Check the eligibility criteria and whether approval must be obtained before any work begins.

 

Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative

If your property has flooded and you are making an eligible insurance claim, your insurer may be able to include additional flood resilience measures as part of the reinstatement work.

Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative enables participating insurers to offer eligible households funding towards measures that can reduce the impact of future flooding. Depending on the policy and insurer, this may include flood-resistant doors, surveys and more flood-resilient materials.

The initiative allows for resilience measures worth up to £10,000, subject to the applicable terms and limits. Availability is not universal, so check directly with your insurer or broker to establish whether your policy qualifies.

Find out more about Flood Re’s Build Back Better initiative.

 

The Environment Agency’s Property Flood Resilience Framework

The Environment Agency’s Property Flood Resilience Framework supports the delivery of surveys, design and installation work for eligible flood resilience programmes.

Properties may be identified through flood risk management programmes, often working with local authorities and other risk management organisations. Specialist delivery partners can support the process from initial assessment through to installation and commissioning.

Funding is not automatically available to every property in a flood risk area. Eligibility depends on the relevant programme, funding arrangements and assessment.

Read more about the Property Flood Resilience Framework.

 

13. Taking Action: From Assessment to Installation

 

Once you understand your flood risk and have explored any available funding, the next step is to identify and implement suitable measures.

 

Choose the right measures

Use the findings of your assessment to identify the measures most appropriate for your property. Consider both how water could be resisted at vulnerable entry points and how the building could be made easier to recover if flooding occurs.

Get the work specified

Ensure that the proposed products and building adaptations are suitable for the property and specified to the appropriate standard. The specification should consider expected flood conditions, the building’s construction and how different measures will work together.

Arrange a survey and installation

Some measures require a detailed survey before they can be designed, manufactured or installed. This is particularly important for bespoke products and systems that must fit the property accurately.

Use suitably experienced professionals and ensure the work is completed in accordance with the specification and relevant installation requirements.

Keep your records

Keep copies of your Flood Risk Assessment, product details, specifications, installation records, warranties, servicing information and flood plan.

These records can be useful when arranging maintenance, reviewing your resilience measures, making an insurance claim or selling your property.

 

14. Preparing Your Property for Flooding

 

Flood preparation is about more than installing products. Having a clear plan and knowing what to do can help you respond more quickly when flooding threatens.

 

Make a flood plan

Your flood plan should explain what to do before, during and after a flood. Make sure everyone in your household understands it.

Include:

• Where your flood equipment is stored.
• How and when to use your equipment safely.
• Where important documents, medication and valuables are kept.
• How to safely turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies.
• Emergency contact details and your insurer’s information.
• Where you could go if you need to leave your property.

Consider the needs of children, older people, anyone who needs additional assistance and any pets in your care.

 

Get your property ready

Take time to identify potential entry points and check that any installed flood resilience measures are in good condition.

You should also:

• Check doors, windows and other vulnerable openings.
• Ensure barriers and other equipment are accessible and ready to use.
• Keep drains, gullies and drainage routes clear where you are responsible for them.
• Identify where vehicles, valuables and electrical equipment could be moved to safer locations.
• Understand which measures may help resist flooding and which could make recovery easier.

 

Be ready to act

When flooding is expected:

• Check the latest flood warnings and local advice.
• Deploy suitable flood resistance equipment if it is safe to do so.
• Move vehicles, valuables and important belongings to safer locations.
• Check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours where possible.
• Keep pets safe and ready to move.
• Follow instructions from the emergency services.

Never enter deep or fast-moving floodwater, and do not take unnecessary risks to deploy equipment or save belongings.

For more guidance, visit GOV.UK’s flood preparation advice.

 

15. Maintaining Your Flood Resilience Measures

 

Flood resilience is not a one-off task. Equipment and building features need to remain in suitable condition so they can perform as intended when required.

Regular checks can help identify problems before flooding occurs.

• Carry out regular checks: Inspect flood doors, barriers, windows and other installed measures for visible damage or deterioration.
• Service equipment when required: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and arrange servicing where necessary.
• Check seals, vents and drainage: Look for damaged seals, blocked openings and other issues that could affect performance.
• Maintain temporary measures: Check that barriers, fixings and accessories are complete and in good condition.
• Keep equipment accessible: Make sure temporary barriers and other equipment can be found quickly and deployed safely.
• Update your flood plan: Review contact details, evacuation arrangements and equipment instructions when circumstances change.

If a product requires professional servicing, follow the relevant service requirements. Keep a record of inspections, repairs and maintenance.

 

16. What to Do After a Flood

 

The effects of flooding can continue long after the water has receded. Cleaning, drying, repairs and reinstatement all need careful planning.

 

Put safety first

Follow advice from the emergency services and relevant authorities. Do not enter moving or contaminated floodwater, and be cautious around damaged buildings, submerged hazards and potentially contaminated surfaces.

Do not switch on electrical equipment or re-enter unsafe areas until it is appropriate to do so. Seek professional advice where electrical systems, gas supplies or the building’s structure may have been affected.

Contact your insurer

Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the damage and establish what you need to do next.

Where it is safe, photograph and record the damage before clearing up. Keep receipts, records of emergency work and details of damaged belongings to support your claim.

Arrange assessment, cleaning and drying

Depending on the extent of the flooding, you may need a professional assessment before repairs begin. Follow appropriate advice on contamination, cleaning, drying and the safe disposal of damaged materials.

Buildings and materials need sufficient time to dry properly. Starting repairs too soon can create additional problems, including trapped moisture and deterioration.

Consider resilience when reinstating your property

Repairs provide an opportunity to consider whether the property could be made more resilient to future flooding.

This might involve reviewing vulnerable entry points, installing suitable resistance measures, raising electrical equipment or choosing materials that are easier to clean and dry.

Discuss appropriate options with your insurer and relevant professionals, and investigate any available funding before committing to work.

 

17. Where to Find Flood Advice and Support

 

Flooding can be difficult to deal with, both practically and emotionally. A range of organisations can provide information, advice and support.

 

Flood information and preparation

• GOV.UK: Official guidance on checking flood risk, preparing for flooding, receiving warnings and recovering afterwards. Visit Prepare for flooding.
• BeFloodReady: Practical information about Property Flood Resilience, preparing buildings and recovering after a flood. Visit BeFloodReady.
• Environment Agency: Flood alerts, warnings and information about flood risk in England. Visit Check for flooding.

 

Insurance and financial support

• Flood Re: Information about flood insurance and the Build Back Better initiative. Visit Flood Re.
• MoneyHelper: Free guidance on money matters, insurance and financial difficulties. Visit MoneyHelper.
• Citizens Advice: Advice on insurance claims, financial difficulties and accessing support. Visit Citizens Advice.
• Your local council: Information about local grants, recovery assistance and support available in your area. Start at GOV.UK’s local council directory.

 

Community support

• Flood Action Groups: Local groups that work with councils, agencies and residents to raise awareness, share information and help communities address flood risk.
• Community Flood Wardens: Volunteers who help share local flood information and raise awareness of potential flooding.
• Community hubs: Local facilities that may provide food, clothing, shelter or advice during a flood. Availability will depend on local arrangements.
• National Flood Forum: Flood advice, recovery guidance and help finding community support. Visit the National Flood Forum.

 

Practical and emotional recovery

• British Red Cross: Practical assistance and emotional support during difficult times, including after flooding. Visit the British Red Cross.
• Samaritans: Confidential emotional support if you are struggling to cope. Call 116 123 free of charge in the UK or visit Samaritans.
• NHS 111: Help finding appropriate NHS advice and support for health concerns, including mental health needs. Visit NHS 111 online.

 

Take the First Step Towards Flood Resilience

 

Flooding can be unpredictable, but preparation can make a real difference. Understanding your risk, knowing how water could enter your property and having a plan in place can help you make informed decisions before an emergency occurs.

Property Flood Resilience offers a range of ways to help resist water entering a building and reduce the damage if flooding does occur. The most suitable approach depends on your property, the sources of flooding and the conditions you may face.

Start by checking your long-term flood risk, signing up for flood warnings and preparing a flood plan. If your property is at risk, consider arranging a suitable assessment to identify the measures that could help improve its resilience.

At M3 Floodtec, we specialise in Property Flood Resilience solutions for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across the UK. From flood doors, windows and barriers to anti-flood airbricks and other resilience products, our range helps property owners and organisations explore ways to reduce the impact of flooding.

To find out more about flood resilience solutions, visit M3 Floodtec.

 

 

References and Further Reading

The following sources support the statistics and guidance referenced in this article. Some provide additional information to help readers explore specific aspects of flood risk and resilience.

Flood Action Week and understanding flood risk

1. Environment Agency and DEFRA – Public urged to get flood ready as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week.
   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-urged-to-get-flood-ready-as-environment-agency-launches-flood-action-week
2. Cambridge Dictionary – Definition of flooding.
   https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/flooding
3. Environment Agency – National Assessment of Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk in England 2024.
   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-assessment-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-in-england-2024/national-assessment-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-in-england-2024
4. The Flood Hub – Landscapes to Lifescapes.
   https://thefloodhub.co.uk/landscapes-to-lifescapes-2/

Flood facts and statistics

5. Association of British Insurers – Adverse weather pushes property insurance payouts to £6.1 billion in 2025.
   https://www.abi.org.uk/media-hub/news-post/adverse-weather-pushes-property-insurance-payouts-to-61-billion-in-2025
6. Association of British Insurers – One in four remain unaware of potential flood or storm risks.
   https://www.abi.org.uk/media-hub/news-post/one-in-four-remain-unaware-of-potential-flood-or-storm-risks
7. Environment Agency – Protecting homes, businesses and communities: our commitment to flood resilience.
   https://environmentagency.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/17/protecting-homes-businesses-and-communities-our-commitment-to-flood-resilience/

Flood warnings and preparation

8. GOV.UK – Check the long-term flood risk for an area in England.
   https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk
9. GOV.UK – Sign up for flood warnings.
   https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
10. Environment Agency – Check for flooding.
    https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
11. GOV.UK – Prepare for flooding.
    https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding

Property Flood Resilience

12. The Flood Hub – Property Flood Resilience.
    https://thefloodhub.co.uk/pfr/
13. BeFloodReady – Preparing properties.
    https://befloodready.ciwem.org/preparing-your-property/
14. BeFloodReady – The Property Flood Resilience Framework: how it can help you.
    https://befloodready.ciwem.org/the-property-flood-resilience-framework-how-it-can-help-you/

Funding and recovery

15. Flood Re – Build Back Better.
    https://www.floodre.co.uk/buildbackbetter/
16. GOV.UK – Find your local council.
    https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
17. National Flood Forum – Flood advice and support.
    https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
18. MoneyHelper – Free money and financial guidance.
    https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
19. Citizens Advice – Advice and support.
    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
20. British Red Cross – Support and advice.
    https://www.redcross.org.uk/
21. Samaritans – Confidential emotional support.
    https://www.samaritans.org/
22. NHS 111 – Online health advice.
    https://111.nhs.uk/

Please note: Flood risk figures, funding arrangements and eligibility criteria may change as new assessments and programmes become available. Always consult the relevant organisation for the latest information. Flood resilience measures should be selected for the individual property and installed, operated and maintained in accordance with appropriate guidance and manufacturer instructions.