Flooding is one of London’s highest risks with up to 680,000 properties at risk of flooding across the capital. Three types of flooding may affect London:
- Flooding from rivers – fluvial flooding
- Surface water flooding, when the draining network becomes overloaded in heavy rainfall
- Tidal flooding from River Thames surges – this is what the Thames Barrier protects London against.
The Environment Agency’s flood map will show you if you’re at risk of flooding from rivers or tidal sources. The Drain London project is currently considering mapping areas at risk from surface water flooding.
The London Strategic Flood Framework has more information on how we plan to respond to a flood incident in London. What to do before, during and after a flood contains useful information for individuals.
How can I protect myself from flooding?
Follow these simple steps to help prepare and protect yourself and your home from flooding:
- If you are at risk of flooding from rivers or tidal flooding, sign up to the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service – Flood Warnings Direct or by calling 0845 988 1188
- If you are in a flood-risk area consider how you can protect your home from flooding – check out the Environment Agency’s guide to Protecting your Property from Flooding
- Make sure your insurance policy covers you for flooding
- Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies
- Plan for what you would do if your home was flooded as part of your household emergency plan
What should I do in a flood?
If you are involved in a flooding incident:
- listen to, and act on the advice of the emergency services
- be prepared to evacuate your property if necessary – gather essential items together and consider if you have family or friends you could stay with and who could look after your pets
- put people before property – move your family and pets upstairs, or to a safe place with means of escape
- listen to local radio updates (ideally on a battery / wind up radio) or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188
- put plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with something heavy (e.g. sandbag, pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil)
- turn off water, gas and electricity supplies if safe to do so
- stay calm and reassure those around you – if you are in danger call 999.
Remember – flood water is dangerous – don’t walk or drive through flood water, or let children play in it. Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch flood water as it may be contaminated.
What should I do after a flood?
Find out if it is safe to return to your property – there may be structural damage and hidden damage if floodwater is still around.
Ring your buildings and contents insurance company, or if you rent your property, contact your landlord and contents insurance company as soon as possible. When repairing your property, think about ways to protect your property from future flooding, or make it easier and cheaper to clean up if you are flooded again.
For more general recovery advice, see our Recovering from Emergencies page.
