How to check the flood risk for your postcode
Around 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water, according to the Environment Agency. Most of those, about 4.6 million, are at risk from surface water: heavy rain that drains cannot cope with. That means you do not need to live next to a river to be affected. This guide shows where to check the flood risk for your postcode, what the results mean, and what to do if you are at risk.
How to check flood risk for your postcode
Each UK nation has its own free, official flood map. Enter your postcode, then pick your address on the map.
| Where you live | Official service |
|---|---|
| England | Check your long term flood risk (GOV.UK) |
| Wales | Check your flood risk by postcode (Natural Resources Wales) |
| Scotland | Flood maps (SEPA) |
| Northern Ireland | Check the risk of flooding in your area (nidirect) |
It takes about two minutes. If you rent, check anyway: your belongings, your car and your family's safety are still at risk even if the building is not yours.
What the results mean
The types of flooding
- Rivers and the sea: water overflowing from rivers or coming in from the coast, often during storms and high tides. These floods can usually be forecast, so warnings are available for many areas.
- Surface water: heavy rain that cannot drain away fast enough, so it collects in streets, dips and low ground. It can happen anywhere, including towns and cities, and it can happen with very little warning.
- Groundwater: water rising up from underground after long spells of rain, which can flood cellars and low floors for weeks.
The risk levels
Results are usually shown as high, medium, low or very low. They describe the chance of flooding in any one year. Even a low chance adds up over the years you live in a home, so a "low" result is a reason to make a simple plan, not a reason to ignore it. A "high" or "medium" result means it is worth acting now.
A flood map shows the risk for an area, not a guarantee for one building. A house a few steps higher than its neighbours may be safer; a basement flat on the same street may be at greater risk.
If you are at risk: five steps to take now
- Sign up for free flood warnings. In England, Wales and Scotland you can get warnings by phone, text or email through GOV.UK or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. If someone needs extra help, Floodline can send warnings to a friend or relative on their behalf.
- Make a personal flood plan. Decide where your family will go, how you will stay in touch and who will check on any older neighbours. The government has a free personal flood plan template.
- Learn how to turn off your gas, electricity and water. The water stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, the gas valve is next to the meter, and the electricity switch is on the fuse board.
- Pack a grab bag. Include medication, a first aid kit, a torch, bottled water, warm waterproof clothing, baby items, phone chargers and copies of important documents in a sealed waterproof bag.
- Check your insurance covers flooding. If you have struggled to get affordable cover after a flood, ask insurers about Flood Re, a scheme set up to help.
It also helps to move valuable and sentimental items upstairs or onto high shelves, and to keep important documents in resealable waterproof bags.
What flood warnings mean
| Warning | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Flood alert | Flooding is possible | Be prepared: check your plan and grab bag, charge phones, watch local water levels. |
| Flood warning | Flooding is expected | Act now: move family, pets, cars and valuables to safety; turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe; put any flood barriers in place. |
| Severe flood warning | Danger to life | Follow instructions from the emergency services and leave if told to. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. |
You can see current warnings and check for flooding over the next five days on GOV.UK.
During a flood: stay safe
- Never walk or drive through flood water. Driving through flood water is the number one cause of death in floods. Just 30cm of moving water can float a car. Turn around and find another route.
- Flood water is dirty. It can contain sewage and hide open drains, broken glass and uneven ground.
- Do not touch electrical switches if you are standing in water.
- If you are told to leave, leave. Delaying can put you, and the people who would have to rescue you, in danger.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water after any contact with flood water.
After a flood
If you are insured, call your insurer before starting any repairs. Take photos and video of the damage, and mark the highest water level on the wall. Do not throw anything away until your insurer agrees. If you cannot stay in your home, contact your local council for help with emergency accommodation.
Is your family ready for a flood?
A flood often brings a power cut and problems with drinking water at the same time, so it helps to prepare for all three. See our guides to getting through a three-day power cut and storing water for your family.
Our free family readiness check takes about three minutes. It looks at your home, your area and the people you live with, then shows your readiness score and the three gaps to fix first.