Flood, water coming in: what to do? Step-by-step guide

⏱ 2 min read

Flooding, heavy rain. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

If you can do it safely before the water arrives: switch off the main fuse and the gas valve.
Move people, pets, medication, documents, your phone and power bank upstairs.
Follow official updates. If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately.

Then

Take drinking water, food, a torch and a battery radio upstairs.
If you are trapped, signal from a window: a light-coloured sheet by day, a torch at night.
Text your family where you are.

When to call 112

Someone is trapped, the water is rising fast, or someone has been swept away.

What not to do

Don't walk or drive into moving water. 15 cm of fast water can knock a person over; 30 cm can sweep a car away.
Don't touch electrical appliances while standing in water or when wet.
Don't drink flood water or wash dishes in it.

Frequently asked questions

Flood, water coming in: what should I do first?

If you can do it safely before the water arrives: switch off the main fuse and the gas valve. Move people, pets, medication, documents, your phone and power bank upstairs. Follow official updates. If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately.

When should I call 112?

Someone is trapped, the water is rising fast, or someone has been swept away.

Flood, water coming in: what should I avoid?

Don't walk or drive into moving water. 15 cm of fast water can knock a person over; 30 cm can sweep a car away. Don't touch electrical appliances while standing in water or when wet.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.