My business 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, you must notify the operator.

If you don’t evacuate when you are told you may be putting yourself and those people attempting 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 will 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.

I called the fire brigade, no one has arrived?

If there is a lot of flooding in your area, we may have been called out to multiple rescues. When this happens, we will prioritise rescuing people who are most at risk. If you are in a safe dry location, stay where you are – if you are 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 have to. 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

You may find yourself caught in a flood whilst driving. If your vehicle gets caught, you should follow these steps:

• If your car stops ensure you and your passengers 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 are 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 able to reach your mobile call 999

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