My business is flooding

What should I do if water is coming into my business? 

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Follow the advice of the operator and if you are told to evacuate, do so. If there are any hazardous materials in your business, such as chemicals, notify the operator.

If you don’t evacuate when you're told to you may be putting yourself and those trying to rescue you in greater danger. If you're evacuating your business, make sure that everyone has been able to safely leave the building.

You'll also need to turn off your gas supply, turn off your  water supply and turn off your electricity supply, if possible and safe to do so.

Evacuation

How we prioritise rescues

If there's a lot of flooding in your area, we may have been called out to multiple rescues. When this happens, we'll prioritise rescuing people who are most at risk. 

If you're in a safe dry location, stay where you are – if you're in danger the emergency services will be with you as soon as they can.   

Should I get everyone out if flood water is in my business?

You should only evacuate yourself if it is safe to do so. During a flood you should only travel if you really must. Flood waters can be very dangerous:

• Six inches of fast flowing water can knock an adult over. 
• Never try to swim through fast flowing water or floodwater, you may get swept away and you also don’t know what items lay beneath the surface.
• Floodwater is hazardous and could contain chemicals/waste – do not allow children or pets to play in it. 

Driving in flood waters 

Never drive through flood water. Vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water. A foot of moving water, moving at just 6 miles per hour, is enough to float a car. Two feet of rushing water will carry most vehicles away. Always find an alternative route.

If your vehicle gets caught in flood waters

If your vehicle gets caught in a flood while driving follow these steps:

• If your car stops you and your passengers should unbuckle your seat belts and where possible climb out to safety. 
• As soon as possible after leaving the vehicle call the emergency services for help. 

If you're trapped and can’t leave the vehicle:

• Turn on all the lights including your hazard warning lights.
• Shout and sound your horn for help.
• If you're able to use your mobile phone call 999.

The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents has further advice on driving during a flood.