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New - AI Triage Decision support, in real time Our AI reads the scene alongside the operator, surfacing the next best action as it unfolds. Explore AIPractical guidance on warning neighbours, protecting homes with sandbags, and keeping your street safe when floodwater threatens.
This is not a water rescue guide. It covers awareness, preparation and neighbour support only. Never enter floodwater to attempt a rescue. Water rescue is the responsibility of the emergency services.
To access this guide in the app: Me Tab->Skills->Community Resilience: Flood
Before taking any action, understand the real dangers. Floodwater is not the same as a puddle.
Why floodwater is dangerous even when it looks shallow
Golden rule: if in doubt, stay out. No property is worth a life. If conditions change or water rises unexpectedly, stop all activity immediately and move to high ground.
Wear all PPE before starting any flood response activity
Time is the most critical resource. Early, clear warnings allow neighbours to protect property and reach safety. Warning names vary by country - follow the levels your national or local warning service issues.
Elderly residents, young children, people with disabilities, those living alone. Identify these neighbours before a flood event.
Knock loudly, then call through the door: "Flood warning - water is rising. Please take action now." Always identify yourself by name.
A Flood Warning is in effect. Move valuables upstairs. Switch off electricity at the mains if safe. Be ready to evacuate if told to do so.
Post a pre-written note with key information and the number of your local flood warning service.
Never conduct door-to-door warnings alone. Never enter a property uninvited - your role is to alert, not to enter.
Sandbags can reduce flood ingress - but they are not a perfect solution. Even well-stacked bags seep water. Use purpose-made flood protection products where possible.
Rule of thumb: You will need at least 5 sandbags to protect a single doorway against 30 cm (1 ft) of water. A 60 cm (2 ft) high wall, 1 metre (3 ft) long requires approximately 15 filled sandbags. Each bag needs approximately 15 kg (33 lb) of sand. Do not assume authorities will supply sandbags - check your local authority's policy in advance.
One holds the bag open wide; the other shovels. Fill close to where you'll place the bags - they become very heavy quickly.
Do not fill more than half full. A correctly filled bag weighs ~15 kg (33 lb). Overfilled bags are too rigid, leave gaps and are dangerous to lift.
Tuck the open end firmly under the filled portion. You do not need to tie the bag. Orient bag mouths facing inward, away from the water side.
Headers (bags laid across, short-side facing you) on courses 1, 3, 5. Stretchers (bags along the wall) on courses 2, 4, 6.
Offset each row by half a bag. Never allow vertical seams to align - this is the most common cause of wall failure.
A 60 cm (2 ft) wall needs a 90 cm (3 ft) base minimum. Tamp each layer firmly. Apply plastic sheeting on the water side; anchor with a final course of bags.
| Height | Min. Base Width | Bags per 1m length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 cm (1 ft) | 30 cm | ~5 bags | Single doorway |
| 60 cm (2 ft) | 90 cm+ | ~15 bags | Standard property protection |
| 90 cm (3 ft) | 150 cm+ | ~30 bags | Pyramid structure required |
| 1 m+ (3.3 ft+) | 300 cm+ | Seek professional advice - not for volunteers | |
Pass on this guidance when speaking to residents during a flood event.
Never touch switches or appliances standing in water
Protect the supply and avoid backflow
Upstairs guidance and evacuation advice
After any contact with floodwater
Key actions to remember during a Flood Warning. Save this page or screenshot for offline access.
NEVER enter floodwater to rescue someone - call your local emergency number. This is an awareness guide, not a rescue course.
Numbers differ from country to country. Save your local ones in your phone before a flood.
Always follow the advice of your national and local authorities and the emergency services. This guide covers awareness and neighbour support only - it is not a formal flood or water safety qualification.
