Floods usually give some warning: days of rain, a river forecast, an alert on your phone. That warning time is what makes the difference. This checklist pulls together what national guides advise, mainly Poland's Poradnik bezpieczeństwa, Slovakia's crisis brochure, Sweden's In case of crisis or war and the UK's Be Ready campaign.
Long before: know your risk
- Find out whether you're in a flood risk area. The UK points you to the government flood-risk service for your nation. Sweden suggests your municipality's website. Most countries publish flood maps.
- Learn how to turn off gas, electricity and water. The UK says you'll need to do this if you have to leave your home because of flooding. Do it once now, in daylight, so you know where everything is.
- Check your insurance covers flooding. The UK lists this as a step in its own right.
- Plan your way out. Agree an escape route and a meeting point with everyone at home. Our family emergency plan guide walks you through it.
- Pack a grab bag. Sixteen of the 24 guides we compiled recommend one, packed in advance and kept by the door.
When a flood warning is issued
Poland's first rule: don't ignore weather alerts or calls to evacuate. Then work through this list:
- Put documents, cash and medicines into your grab bag. Nineteen guides list ID and document copies, ideally in a waterproof pouch.
- Move valuables and electrical appliances upstairs or as high as you can (Poland, Slovakia).
- Prepare sandbags and seal doors and windows (Poland). Close all windows and doors (Slovakia).
- Move anything that could react with water, such as poisons, acids and corrosive cleaners, out of the water's reach (Slovakia).
- Switch off electricity and gas, and secure drains and manholes (Poland, Slovakia).
- Move the car to safe, higher ground without blocking the road (Poland).
- Get pets ready to leave: carrier, lead, food and their papers.
- Check whether your neighbours need help, especially older people living alone.
- Keep the radio on for updates.
When the water is rising
- If you're told to evacuate, go. Poland is clear: don't stay in a flooded area to save belongings. Slovakia adds: leave as quickly as you safely can, and use the official evacuation routes.
- If time is short, Slovakia says to stop what you're doing and go straight to safe, higher ground.
- Don't drive through flooded roads unless you know how deep the water is (Slovakia). If water starts to fill your car, get out quickly.
- Call 112 from a safe place, then wait for instructions.
- Stay out of floodwater on foot. It can hide open drains and debris, and may be contaminated.
If you're stuck at home
Move upstairs with your grab bag, water, food, a torch, the radio and a charged phone. Poland describes a simple signal system for rescuers: hang a flag where it can be seen, made from clothing if necessary.
| Flag | Meaning (Poland) |
|---|---|
| White | I need to be evacuated |
| Red | I need medical help |
| Blue | I need food and water |
A whistle helps rescuers find you when a voice won't carry. Six guides list one, including the Netherlands, Romania and Croatia.
If you're evacuated
Slovakia sets out what to do during and after an organised evacuation:
- Switch off gas, water and electricity, and lock doors and windows before you leave.
- Help children, older people and people with disabilities.
- Follow the instructions of the police, fire service and other authorities.
- When you reach the safe location, register with the authorities.
- Wait until the threat is over and you're told you can go home.
In an organised evacuation, Slovakia limits luggage to 25 kg per adult and 15 kg per child, plus 5 kg of hand luggage.
Going home
- Only return when the authorities say it's safe.
- Photograph the damage before you clean up, and contact your insurer (Slovakia).
- Don't switch the electricity back on if water reached sockets or wiring. Have it checked first.
- Follow your water company's advice before you drink tap water again. Use stored water until then.
- Throw away food that has been in contact with floodwater.
Keep a flood kit by the door
The kit for a flood is the ordinary grab bag, with extra attention to keeping things dry: documents in a waterproof pouch, a torch, a radio, a power bank, medicines and a change of clothes in a sealed bag. Our grab bag checklist has the full list, and the checklist sizes it for your household.