How to pack a flood grab bag

What you need

A grab bag is not your full home kit. It is a small bag for leaving in a hurry. Keep it light enough to carry.

Pack these first

• Medicines for a few days, plus a list of names and doses.
• Copies of documents, such as passports, insurance details and instructions for medical equipment. Seal them in a waterproof bag.
• A list of phone numbers on paper, including family, your insurer and 0345 988 1188 (Floodline).
• Cash, in a mix of coins and notes, plus a bank card.
• A torch and spare batteries.
• A charged power bank and a phone cable.

Then add

• Warm clothes, a waterproof coat and spare socks.
• Bottled water and snacks.
• Glasses, hearing aid batteries and other daily aids.
• Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and basic toiletries.
• Spare house and car keys.
• A small first aid kit.

For babies, children and pets

• Ready-to-feed formula, nappies and wipes.
• A comfort toy for a young child.
• Pet food, a lead or carrier and your vet’s number.

Get flood warnings

Warnings give you time to pack and move. They are free.

• England: sign up for flood warnings on GOV.UK or check for flooding near you.
• Wales: sign up with Natural Resources Wales.
• Scotland: sign up with SEPA Floodline.
• Northern Ireland: read the nidirect flooding advice. You can report flooding on 0300 2000 100.

In England, Wales and Scotland, you can also call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

What you probably already own

Most of a grab bag comes from around your home:

• A backpack or sports bag.
• Freezer bags or zip-lock bags to keep papers and phones dry.
• A torch from a drawer or the car.
• A power bank from a work bag or holiday.
• Warm layers and an old waterproof coat.
• Snacks and bottled water from the cupboard.
• Spare keys.

Copy your documents at home or take photos of them and save them somewhere secure. Keep paper copies too, as your phone may not work.

Your flood plan

A bag works best with a simple plan. Agree as a household:

• Where you will go if you need to leave.
• How you will contact each other.
• Who will check on older neighbours or relatives.
• What you will move upstairs first, such as valuables and photos.

Our area page lists flood warning services and useful numbers for where you live.

What to buy, if anything

You may already have everything. If not, small extras can help:

• A waterproof document wallet or dry bag.
• A power bank, if you do not have one. See our guide to power banks for power cuts.
• A compact torch or head torch. See our guide to torches and lanterns.

Your home kit is for staying put, so you need both. Read what to put in an emergency kit for the full list.