Risk library
Flooding
Hydrological dynamics and protecting the home.
Flooding can come from slow river overflow, sudden runoff or coastal surge. The first rule is always the same: protect people before property.
Never drive or walk through flooded roads, go down into a basement or try to recover a vehicle. Water that looks minor can become life-threatening within minutes.
Signals and alerts
Read official alerts and physical warning signs.
Use official flood and weather alerts, but also watch the field: rising water, muddy flow, saturated drains or unusual noise from a watercourse should trigger safety actions.
Follow official flood, weather and local authority alerts.
Treat fast-rising or muddy water as an immediate warning sign.
Remember that streets, basements and underground parking can flood away from rivers.
On the coast, wind, tide, swell and rain can combine.
Safety reflexes
Move people to safety first.
The safest action is often to move upward or to a known refuge area, keep communications available and follow evacuation instructions when issued.
Move to an upper floor or identified refuge area.
Turn off gas, electricity and heating before water arrives, only if it is safe.
Do not pick children up from school unless authorities ask you to.
Follow radio, municipal and emergency instructions.
Home adaptation
Reduce damage before the next event.
Home adaptation can limit water entry, reduce material losses and speed up recovery after a flood.
Install temporary barriers on low doors, vents and garage access where relevant.
Use backflow valves, sump pumps and maintained drainage.
Raise heating, electrical panels, low outlets and irreplaceable items.
Choose washable and flood-compatible materials in exposed areas.
Household checklist
Identify refuge areas, exits and people to help first.
Prepare a 72h kit with documents, medication, light, radio, batteries and water.
Move documents, valuables and sensitive equipment away from low levels.
Never cross a flooded road by foot or by car.
Wait for official clearance before returning to a flooded building.