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Preparing for a flood

Flooding can have a detrimental effect on your health, home or business. Some precautions and safeguards may be followed to help reduce the risk of flooding and its impact.

Check the risk of flooding in your area

You can get the latest flood updates by checking local news, weather and traffic bulletins. You can also use the link below to access the Rivers Agency strategic flood maps to see if your property is at risk from flooding:

Flooding - things to do

To help you reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business:

  • maintain a list of useful contact numbers such as your local council, emergency services and your insurance company . To report a flood, you should call 0300 2000 100 - a single point of contact for all flooding calls. The operator will contact the appropriate Agency or Department on your behalf
  • agree a plan with those who live with you how you will contact each other and where you will go if you become separated during a flood
  • move your valuable possessions to safety
  • know where to turn off your electricity and/or gas
  • ensure your insurance provides cover against flood damage to property
  • if your property is at risk of flooding, have some sandbags or floodboards or plastic covers prepared to block doorways and airbricks
  • consider where to relocate your car during a flooding incident

It is helpful to prepare a kit of essential items that will help you cope in a flood, including:

  • copies of your home insurance documents
  • a torch with spare batteries
  • a battery powered or wind-up radio
  • warm, waterproof clothing, rubber boots and blankets
  • a first aid kit and supplies of medication needed by anyone in the house
  • bottles water and tinned or dried food
  • things needed to look after your baby

Useful contact numbers

  • Flooding Incident Line - 0300 2000 100
  • Northern Ireland Electricity - 0845 7643 643
  • Northern Ireland Water - 0845 7440 088
  • Phoenix Natural Gas - 0845 9005 253
  • Firmus Energy - 0845 6080 088

The following measures can help reduce the risk of flooding:

  • if you are a landowner you must ensure that all drains within your property are properly maintained
  • refrain from dumping any material into urban watercourses as this may lead to blockages and flooding
  • keep private gullies free of fallen leaves in autumn as they can cause temporary blockages

More useful links