Kit builder · Flooding
Build your flood kit
The Environment Agency’s flood kit from its personal flood plan, with what Natural Resources Wales, SEPA and nidirect add, sized to who lives with you.
The Environment Agency’s personal flood plan has a short list headed ‘Prepare a flood kit’: important documents and contact information, warm, waterproof and dry clothing and footwear, a torch, drinking water, medicine, toys for children, baby care items, and a phone charger or spare batteries. That list is the spine of this builder. Natural Resources Wales, SEPA in Scotland and nidirect in Northern Ireland add a radio, food, a first aid kit, rubber gloves and wellington boots, and we say which source each line comes from.
SEPA’s advice is to keep the kit in a waterproof box somewhere high up, and Natural Resources Wales says to keep it handy and make sure people know where to find it. It does two jobs: getting through a flood at home, and going with you if you are asked to leave. If you only need the bag you would carry out of the door, the grab bag builder is the lighter list.
Tell us who lives with you and the list adjusts: water is sized per person per day, and lines for babies, children and pets appear when you add them. Days default to three, the ‘few days’ GOV.UK Prepare plans for. The single most useful thing on the list costs nothing: signing up for flood warnings.
Who is this for?
Your list: 15 items, 13 essential
You probably own some of this already: only buy the gaps. Each price shows when it was checked.
- Flood warnings on your phoneEssential
The first step in the Environment Agency’s personal flood plan is to sign up for flood warnings and check you understand what a flood alert, a flood warning and a severe flood warning mean. GOV.UK says a flood warning means flooding is expected, and a severe flood warning means there is a danger to life.
Free, by text, phone or email. In England, sign up on GOV.UK; in Scotland, SEPA’s Floodline; in Wales, Natural Resources Wales. GOV.UK Prepare says that if you have a disability or need extra help, Floodline (0345 988 1188) can send warnings to a friend or relative on your behalf. In Northern Ireland, nidirect covers checking your risk and reporting flooding on 0300 2000 100.
What each flood warning means → - Important documents in a waterproof bag1 Essential
The Environment Agency’s plan says to protect important documents in a waterproof container somewhere easy to get to, and lists passports, driving licences, medical cards and insurance documents. GOV.UK Prepare suggests resealable, water-tight plastic bags; SEPA and Natural Resources Wales both put insurance documents in the kit.
One bag for the household’s papers, or copies of them. Add your insurance policy number and your insurer’s 24-hour claims line, as Natural Resources Wales suggests, and photos or a list of your belongings for a claim.
Document bags and pouches we’ve checked → - Phone numbers on paper1 Essential
The Environment Agency’s plan has a page of contacts to fill in: insurers, gas, electricity and water, your bank, your council, your doctor, and kennels or vets for pets. Natural Resources Wales adds Floodline, your local radio station’s frequency, neighbours and family. On paper, because a phone can go flat or get wet.
One list for the kit and a copy somewhere else. Include Floodline (0345 988 1188), 105 for a power cut in Great Britain (GOV.UK) and, in Northern Ireland, the Flooding Incident Line (0300 2000 100). Our household emergency plan has room for all of it.
- Torch and spare batteries1 Essential
On the Environment Agency’s list, and SEPA, nidirect and Natural Resources Wales all say a torch with spare batteries. A flood can cut the power, and you may be moving about a dark house or going out of it.
One at least, plus spare batteries, or a wind-up torch that needs none. A head torch keeps both hands free for lifting things upstairs.
Fenix PD36R V2.0 Tactical TorchAlso good: Ledlenser P6R Core Rechargeable Torch — £56.69as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£109.21Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Battery or wind-up radio1 Essential
The Environment Agency’s plan says to note your local radio station for travel and weather. nidirect and SEPA list a battery or wind-up radio; Natural Resources Wales says a radio on your phone or a battery one. Local radio carries flood and travel news when the power and the internet are off.
One for the household, with spare batteries if it takes them, and the frequency of your local station written on your contacts list.
Philips TAR3500Also good: Philips TAR1609 — £37.89as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£49.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Phone charger and power bankEssential
The Environment Agency lists a phone or device charger or spare batteries, and says to make sure phones are charged before a flood. Natural Resources Wales says a phone charger and battery pack; SEPA says keep your phone fully charged when flooding is forecast.
A charged power bank and a cable for each phone you rely on. Charge it again whenever a flood alert is issued.
INIU B5 20000mAh Power BankAlso good: Anker 25,000mAh 165W — £69.98as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£22.40Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Bottled drinking water18 litresEssential
Drinking water is on the Environment Agency’s list and on SEPA’s, nidirect’s and Natural Resources Wales’s. After a flood, GOV.UK says not to use tap water if its colour, taste or smell changes, and the British Red Cross says to boil tap water or use bottled water until supplies are declared safe.
GOV.UK Prepare quotes the World Health Organisation’s minimum of 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, so we size at 3 litres. GOV.UK Prepare says 10 litres a day is more comfortable, because it also covers basic cooking and hygiene. Add water for baby formula and pets.
How to store water → - Food that keeps and needs no cookingEssential
nidirect says tinned or dried food, Natural Resources Wales non-perishable food, SEPA snacks. GOV.UK Prepare suggests food that doesn’t need cooking, and a tin opener. After a flood, GOV.UK says not to eat food that has touched flood water.
No official figure, so plan for everyone for the days you have chosen, from things you already eat. Keep it in the kit, above flood level, and rotate it into meals before the dates run out.
Wayfayrer Ready-to-Eat Meal Pouch£6.49Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Warm, waterproof clothes and a blanket2 setsEssential
The Environment Agency says warm, waterproof and dry clothing and footwear; Natural Resources Wales and nidirect add blankets. Floods often come with cold, wet weather, and you may be out of the house for a while.
A waterproof layer and a dry change of clothes for each person, and a blanket each if there is room. Coats and jumpers you already own are the right kit.
- Wellington boots and rubber gloves2 pairsEssential
Natural Resources Wales lists rubber gloves and wellington boots, SEPA rubber gloves and waterproof shoes, nidirect rubber boots. UKHSA says flood water can carry contaminants, so wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and a plastic apron while cleaning up.
A pair of boots and a pair of gloves for each adult who might clear up, plus a pack of plastic aprons. Wellies keep feet dry; they are not for wading through flood water, which you should never do.
After a flood: cleaning up safely → - First aid kit1 Essential
On the lists from SEPA, nidirect and Natural Resources Wales, and GOV.UK Prepare puts one in the flood grab bag. UKHSA’s flood advice is to clean any open cuts or sores and cover them with waterproof plasters before clearing up.
One kit for the household, with plenty of waterproof plasters. Our first aid kit builder lists what goes in one.
Steroplast 70-pieceAlso good: Lifesystems Waterproof First Aid Kit — £21.99as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£19.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Medicines and a list of themEssential
Medicine is on the Environment Agency’s list, and nidirect says supplies of medication needed by anyone in the house. The British Red Cross says to work out how you would take medication and other essentials with you if you had to leave.
A few days of anything taken regularly, in its packaging, and a written list of what each person takes. Take them as prescribed; this builder doesn’t size doses.
Getting repeat prescriptions in time → - Hand sanitiser and wipesOptional
Natural Resources Wales lists hand sanitiser and face masks. GOV.UK Prepare says washing your hands is the most important way of removing harmful bugs and chemicals after contact with flood water, and UKHSA says to use bottled water to wash your hands if the supply is disrupted.
A bottle of sanitiser and a pack of wipes for the kit. Sanitiser is a stopgap: wash with warm, soapy water as soon as you can.
- Know where to turn off gas, electricity and waterEssential
The Environment Agency’s plan says to check you know how to turn off your electricity and water, and to turn off gas, electricity and water if you know you are about to be flooded. GOV.UK Prepare says the water stop tap is usually inside where the supply comes in, the gas valve next to the meter, and the electricity main switch on the fuse board.
Nothing to buy. Find all three now, in daylight, and show everyone in the house. Only switch off if it is safe: never touch an electrical switch while standing in water.
- Door guards and air brick coversOptional
GOV.UK says that when a flood warning is issued, use flood protection products if you have them, for example flood barriers or air brick covers. nidirect suggests sandbags, floodboards or plastic covers ready for doorways and air bricks, and Natural Resources Wales advises choosing products that carry the BSI Kitemark.
Only if your home is at risk: one guard for each door that water could reach and a cover for each low air brick. Natural Resources Wales suggests a flood survey by a chartered surveyor before buying, so you protect the right places. Our sandbags guide covers the cheaper option.
Floodgate Door Flood BarrierAlso good: Self-Inflating Water-Activated Flood Barrier — £19.95as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£529.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One of each goes into your Amazon basket in one go (Amazon may ask you to sign in first). Change the quantities or take out anything you already own before you pay.
We don’t add these up: each price is shown beside its item, and you’ll probably only need some of them.
Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. GOV.UK Prepare says driving through it is the number one cause of death during flooding, and the British Red Cross says six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet can float a car. Flood water can hide sewage, open manholes and sharp objects.
A severe flood warning means danger to life. Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, and if the emergency services or your council ask you to leave, go: GOV.UK Prepare says not evacuating, or delaying, can put your life at risk. Take your flood kit with you to an evacuation centre (Environment Agency).
Electricity and gas: turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so, and never touch an electrical switch while standing in water (GOV.UK). After a flood, do not turn them back on until your supplier or a qualified engineer has checked they are safe.
Carbon monoxide during the clean-up: UKHSA says never use petrol or diesel generators or other fuel-driven equipment, such as pumps, indoors, and to keep heaters, dryers and fires well ventilated. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Food and water after a flood: throw away food that has touched flood water, fridge food if the power was off for more than 4 hours and freezer food after more than 24 hours, and don’t use tap water that looks, tastes or smells different (GOV.UK). Wash your hands with warm, soapy water after any contact with flood water (UKHSA).
Across the UK: Floodline (0345 988 1188, 24 hours) covers England, Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, report flooding to the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100 (nidirect). Report a power cut on 105 in Great Britain.
Get your personalised checklist
A printable PDF sized to 2 adults · 3 days, with a QR code back to your list.
Your kit covers supplies. The Family File covers everything else: who to ring, where the paperwork is, what someone would need to know.
Questions
What should be in a flood kit?
The Environment Agency’s personal flood plan lists important documents and contact information, warm, waterproof and dry clothing and footwear, a torch, drinking water, medicine, toys for children, baby care items, and a phone charger or spare batteries. Natural Resources Wales, SEPA and nidirect add a battery or wind-up radio, food, a first aid kit, blankets, rubber gloves and wellington boots, and pet supplies. SEPA says to store the kit in a waterproof box somewhere high up.
Is a flood kit the same as a grab bag?
Close, but not quite. The flood kit is everything on the Environment Agency’s list, kept high and dry, for getting through a flood at home or taking with you to an evacuation centre. A grab bag is the lighter bag you carry out of the door when you have minutes to leave. Many households keep the essentials in one bag so it does both jobs; our grab bag builder sizes that version.
Do I need sandbags or flood barriers?
Only if your home is at risk: check your long-term flood risk on GOV.UK first (England). GOV.UK says to use flood protection products such as barriers and air brick covers when a flood warning is issued, if you have them. Natural Resources Wales advises BSI Kitemark products and suggests a survey by a chartered surveyor so you protect the right places; it points to the National Flood Forum’s Blue Pages for suppliers. Our sandbags guide explains where sandbags help and where they don’t.
How much water should we keep in a flood kit?
GOV.UK Prepare quotes the World Health Organisation’s minimum of 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, and says 10 litres a day is more comfortable because it also covers basic cooking and hygiene. This builder sizes at 3 litres per person per day for the days you choose. After a flood, the British Red Cross says to boil tap water or use bottled water until supplies are declared safe.
How do I get flood warnings?
In England, sign up on GOV.UK for warnings by text, phone or email; in Scotland, through SEPA’s Floodline; in Wales, through Natural Resources Wales. All are free. GOV.UK Prepare says Floodline (0345 988 1188) can send warnings to a friend or relative if you have a disability or need extra help. Our guide to flood warnings explains what an alert, a warning and a severe warning mean.
Guides that go with this
Flood preparation checklist for UK homes →Flood alerts vs flood warnings: what each level means and what to do →Sandbags and flood barriers: where to get them, how to use them, and what works better →After a flood: the first 48 hours, drying out and the insurance claim →How to drive through flood water — and when you must not →Sources (14)
- Environment Agency: personal flood plan (GOV.UK)
- GOV.UK: prepare for flooding
- GOV.UK: what to do before or during a flood
- GOV.UK: what to do after a flood
- GOV.UK: get flood warnings by text, phone or email
- GOV.UK: check your long-term flood risk
- GOV.UK Prepare: flooding
- GOV.UK Prepare: get prepared for emergencies (water and food)
- UKHSA: flooding and health, advice for the public
- Natural Resources Wales: preparing for a flood
- SEPA: before, during and after a flood
- nidirect: preparing for a flood
- nidirect: flooding
- British Red Cross: floods in the UK, advice on staying safe
Follow PreparedBritain
A calm heads-up when a storm is named, scam warnings, and the money checkers worth knowing about, in your feed.
