England and Wales have many flood prone areas, and more than five million residents live in these locations. Knowledge of how to prepare for and respond during a flood is a necessity for these residents. Undue alarm and confusion can be avoided if a flood plan is in place before the announcement of a developing flood.

Protecting human lives should be the top priority during a flood. Determining an effective flood plan before the threat of a flood is the best preparation for ensuring your family is kept safe. When everyone in the family participates in coordinating the plan, they will likely be able to react in a calm and organised manner if there is a flood situation. The most informative source for flood plan preparation is the Environment Agency, whose Floodline (0845 988 1188) can give you detailed instructions for developing your own plan.

Floodboards, plastic airbrick covers, and sandbags are some protective equipment you should have on hand to protect your home or business from floods. These items sell rather quickly when a flood is developing, so keep a good supply of these at all times. There are other precautions you can take that require a bit more time and money, including raising electrical sockets to 1.5 metres or more above the ground floor, using rugs instead of fitted carpet on the ground floor, making sure drains and inlet pipes have non-return valves, and placing heating and ventilation parts above ground level.

You must make sure your insurance policy will cover your needs in the event of a flood. Read your policy carefully to determine if your home, building and grounds have adequate coverage, and note the monetary limits for repairs, item replacement policies, and value estimates for your possessions. Talk to your insurance provider if you have questions. If possible, permanently move items of great personal value, such as photographs, heirlooms, and family videos from the ground floor. Although these can be included in your insurance coverage, they can never be replaced.

To protect your home or building, turn off the supply of gas, electricity, and water before floodwaters reach the premises. Ask your supplier to demonstrate how to turn off these mains, and then teach everyone in your home or business how to do this. Mark the taps or switches with a sticker or other identifier so they can be found quickly and easily.

Essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable foods, a torch with extra batteries, first aid kit, battery radio, and waterproof clothing and blankets should be kept in a central location. This flood kit should also contain a list of contact numbers for family members, neighbours, your insurance company, physicians, and your suppliers of water, electricity, and gas.