Tips for Flood Action Week 13-17 October 2025

Towns, villages and rural parts of Somerset have been suffering more intense and unpredictable floods – and matters are expected to get worse.

This Flood Action Week, the Environment Agency (a partner in Somerset Rivers Authority) is therefore warning people not to be complacent about flood risks.

In England there are around 6.3 million properties in areas at risk of flooding.

Last winter, the Environment Agency issued over 3,000 flood alerts, over 1,600 flood warnings, and three severe flood warnings to people at risk.

Climate change is expected to increase the likelihood and severity of floods. Yet fewer than half (45%) of those polled agreed that they had a good understanding of how to protect their home.

This is why it is more important than ever that people should know what their flood risks are, and what actions can be taken to prepare and stay safe should the worst happen.

Flooding can have a devastating impact, as all too many people in Somerset know to their cost.

Taking steps to prepare for flooding and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce damages to homes and businesses. It can reduce risks to life. And it can reduce the chances of suffering from some kind of mental illness in the aftermath of flooding.

To help prepare for flooding, there are simple things that can be done.

The infographic below sets out some steps that can be taken.

For more information, visit the prepare for flooding page on GOV.UK. This page offers people advice about how they can find out if they are at risk of flooding, how to sign up for flood warnings, and make properties more resilient.