Most UK households unprepared for flooding, new research finds

Despite more than two thirds (67%) of UK households reporting that they have been impacted by recent storms and floods since the start of 2026, nearly three quarters (73%) have not signed up to receive flood alerts, according to new research from the British Red Cross.

The findings come amid the widespread impacts of storms Chandra, Goretti and recent severe weather, with parts of the UK enduring 50 days of continuous rain. The Met Office has issued 154 severe weather warnings so far this year.  

Around a third of people said they did not feel confident in knowing what actions to take to prepare themselves or their homes. The British Red Cross is calling for clearer, targeted information to ensure more people know what to do before, during and after flooding.

Béatrice Butsana-Sita, Chief Executive Officer of the British Red Cross, said: “The frequency and intensity of severe weather events in the UK are increasing, yet too often people don’t have the information they need to protect themselves and their homes. The fact that three‑quarters of people aren’t signed up for flood alerts shows more needs to be done towards raising people’s awareness of risks.   

“Getting timely information is vital. Flood water can move quickly and take people by surprise – this is something our teams hear often when they’re out supporting communities. When guidance is accessible and relevant to people’s circumstances, they are better able to keep themselves and those around them safe. As severe weather becomes more frequent, we need to get to a place where every household is ready to act.”

The polling highlighted a range of barriers and preferences around flood information:

• Around one in five (19%) said they either didn’t know where they would check for flood information, or that they wouldn’t want to check for flood alerts or warnings.
• Reasons for not signing up for flood alerts included people feeling they were not at risk, not knowing the service existed or they didn’t think it would be relevant or helpful.
• When asked how they would most like to receive flood alert information and updates, text messages were the most popular option (46%). If they wanted to check for official flood alerts and warnings, people said they would go to official websites such as Met Office (38%) and GOV.UK (29%).
• When asked what authorities should prioritise, the top answer (48%) was improving infrastructure to address flood impact, followed by easier access to funding and strengthening regulations so that buyers and renters are better informed about the flood risk for their potential new home. Improved access to flood information and education was also a key concern, particularly among those who had experienced flooding or were most affected by this year’s severe weather.

Recent storms have also highlighted the importance of people having a range of information sources, with internet and power being affected in some areas.

During Storm Goretti, Red Cross emergency response teams in Cornwall carried out welfare checks for residents cut off by prolonged power outages, ensuring they had basic supplies and could reconnect with worried relatives.

The British Red Cross urges people to: 

• Sign up for official flood alerts  
• Prepare a simple emergency kit with essentials like medication, a phone charger and warm clothing 
• Check on neighbours, especially older people or those with health conditions 
• Access British Red Cross guidance on how to prepare for and respond to flooding and call the telephone support line on 0808 196 3651

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