Flooding is a regular occurrence in Scotland and can happen at any time of the year. Areas at higher risk are normally in closer proximity to rivers, the sea, or prone to surface water build-up.

Preparing for flooding

It is your responsibility to manage your own flood risk and protect yourself, your family, property or business. There are steps you can take to be prepared and to help reduce the damage and disruption it can have on your home, travel and work. 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has free tools and advice available on its website to help you stay informed. You can:

  • check your flood risk to find out if your area is affected by river, coastal or surface water flooding
  • check the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast for the earliest available information of where and when flooding is expected across the country
  • sign up to Floodline and follow @SEPAFlood for flooding updates and information to receive messages when flooding is forecast in your area

Visit SEPA’s website to access the flooding resources. You can also contact SEPA by phone on 0300 099 6699. 

Ready Scotland has further guidance to help you access the most up-to-date information when disruption is forecast, including official weather and travel warnings. Find out how you can stay informed.

Steps to help prepare

  • prepare a flood plan and a family emergency flood kit with essential items so that everyone in your household is equipped if flooding happens
  • if you or a family member might need additional support in an emergency, talk to your friends, family, carers, neighbours and support network so that you can get the help you might need if flooding happens  
  • register for extra support from your utility companies, if you are eligible
  • find out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies
  • keep an easily accessible list of useful contact numbers including your insurance company and utility providers
  • consider flood protection products for your property and ensure your insurance provides adequate cover for flood damage
  • join or start a local community flood group - working together to prepare your community for the impacts of flooding will help everyone to cope better.

What to do if flooding is forecast

  • charge your mobile phone
  • move vehicles out of the flood risk area
  • move important documents and valuable items to a higher place
  • shut off gas, electricity and water supplies and fit any flood protection products to your property
  • check on vulnerable and elderly neighbours
  • check official weather and travel warnings ahead of any journeys – Traffic Scotland also provides real-time traffic and travel information, as well as advice on driving in wet weather  

What to do during a flood to stay safe

  • follow the advice from official weather and travel warnings and plan ahead for any journeys  
  • avoid walking or driving through flood water - six inches of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet of water can move a car
  • in a storm, stay away from the shoreline to reduce the chances of being swept away 
  • avoid any form of direct contact with flood water as it could be contaminated
  • do not use any electrical appliances
  • move to upper floors or higher ground if possible and wait for the emergency services
  • evacuate if told to do so

Recovery from flooding

  • find out from the emergency services if it is safe to re-enter your property
  • don’t turn on your electricity until it has been checked
  • wear appropriate clothing and protection as flood water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria 
  • be mindful of how the stress and traumatic feelings of loss can have an impact on your own and the mental wellbeing of others
  • contact your insurance company and, if it is safe to do so, take photographs of the damage caused to your home and valuables
  • make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and help them make arrangements for any repairs
  • if your property has been flooded and you are re-insuring, you can ask if your property is eligible for cover through the Flood Re initiative

More information

 

 

Stay Informed

Ready Scotland regularly publishes alerts on both Twitter and Facebook. Follow and like our pages to keep up to date wherever you are.