How to Prepare for a Flood – Protecting Your Home, Family, and Wellbeing

Flooding can happen suddenly, from heavy rain, overflowing rivers, coastal tides, or rising groundwater. In Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire, where our land and waterways are so closely linked, preparation is one of the most effective ways to stay safe and recover quickly if flooding does occur.

Whether you live in a high-risk area or not, taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference later.

1. Check Your Flood Risk

Start by finding out whether your home or business is at risk.
You can check online at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk simply enter your postcode to view local flood maps and warnings.

If you are at risk, consider signing up for the Environment Agency’s free flood alert service. This service will send you a message by phone, text, or email when flooding is likely in your area:
Sign up for flood warnings

2. Make a Flood Plan

Having a plan helps everyone in your household know what to do if flooding happens.
Your plan could include:

• Key contact numbers (family, friends, insurance, council, emergency services).
• Where you will go if you need to leave home.
• How to turn off gas, electricity, and water safely.
• Who will help neighbours or pets if you are not at home.

Keep a paper copy somewhere safe, and make sure everyone knows where it is.

3. Prepare a Flood Kit

If you need to leave quickly, it helps to have essentials ready to take with you.
Pack a waterproof bag with:

• Important documents (insurance, ID, prescriptions).
• A torch, batteries, phone charger, and any medication.
• Warm clothes, blankets, and sturdy shoes.
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
• Keys, bank cards, and some cash.
• Contact numbers and copies of your flood plan.

4. Protect Your Property

You can reduce the damage floodwater may cause by taking practical steps such as:

• Moving valuable items and electricals upstairs or to higher shelves.
• Using sandbags or flood boards on doors and air bricks.
• Checking your insurance covers flood damage.
• Keeping gutters, drains, and ditches clear of debris.

If you rent your home, speak to your landlord about how they manage flood risk and what support is available.

5. Know Who to Contact

In an emergency:

• Lincolnshire County Council (local flooding & drainage): 01522 782 082
• Environment Agency Floodline (main river/coastal): 0800 80 70 60
• Emergency services: 999 if you or someone else is in danger

You can check real-time alerts and warnings at Check for Flooding.

6. Look After Your Wellbeing

Flooding is not just about physical damage, it can also take a real emotional toll. Feelings of anxiety, fear, or loss are completely normal.
If you are struggling, reach out for help. Talking to family, friends, neighbours, or professionals can make a big difference.

Local Community Flood Groups and parish councils often provide on-the-ground support, while organisations like Shine and HAY Lincolnshire (link to HAY) can help connect you to wellbeing and mental health services.

Remember; recovery takes time, and it is okay to ask for support.

Coming Soon – Flood Resilience Roadshows 2026

Next year, Shine, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, will be hosting nine Flood Resilience Roadshows across the county.

These free, public events will:

• Bring together the people who respond to flooding including the Environment Agency, local councils, emergency services, and community flood groups.
• Offer practical workshops on resilience, supporting others, and life-saving skills.
• Share information about flood preparation, local support networks, and mental health and wellbeing during and after flooding.

The roadshows will be open to everyone, families, homeowners, businesses, and community groups and are a great opportunity to ask questions and build confidence about flood resilience.

If your organisation would like to take part or host a stall, please contact [email protected]

To stay up to date with roadshow dates and other community events, follow us on social media and sign up to the Shine mailing list at www.shinelincolnshire.com

Together for a Resilient Lincolnshire

Flooding can feel overwhelming, but preparation and community connection are powerful tools. By taking simple steps now and by coming together to learn and share, we can help protect not only our homes and businesses, but also our wellbeing and sense of belonging.

“This project is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.”