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The Environment Agency has called on Brits to 'get flood ready' and warned against becoming 'complacent' about potential dangers, despite this summer's dry conditions. The warning arrives less than a month after Storm Amy battered the northwestern UK, with winds surpassing 81mph in parts of Scotland.

In a statement, Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management, warned: "We're already seeing the impacts of climate change through wetter winters and drier summers. The Environment Agency is taking action - working to help communities become more resilient to extreme weather and rising sea levels.

"This Flood Action Week, the public and business owners should play their part by checking their flood risk, signing up for flood warnings and having a flood plan. This will help to keep them and their loved ones safe and reduce the devastation flooding can cause to homes, businesses and communities."

To ready themselves for potential flooding, the Environment Agency recommended Brits take two essential measures. The initial step involves registering for flood alerts, which may concern river surges, coastal inundation, or groundwater problems, based on your area.

Whilst flood alerts aren't yet accessible throughout the entire UK, residents of England can check whether their locality is included here.People in Scotland can also sign up for flood warnings here, and residents of Wales can register here. Meanwhile, those living in Northern Ireland can check their flood risk using mapping tool s here.

Subsequently, the Environment Agency urged Brits to create a 'flood plan', which sets out a series of steps to help you respond to and recover from flooding. This might include putting together a flood kit containing essentials, such as vital documents, waterproof gear, drinking water, and medications for emergencies.

Considering what should happen to your pets and any crucial contact information you might require is also particularly useful in these circumstances. For instance, knowing your home insurance details beforehand can allow you to respond more quickly to potential damage.

In light of the ongoing Flood Action Week initiative, Kelly Ostler-Coyle, Director of Corporate Affairs at Flood Re, also said: "This Flood Action Week, we're urging everyone to check their flood risk - and then take action to prepare for it.

"New research commissioned by Flood Re, shows that simple property-level resilience measures could save the UK hundreds of millions of pounds every year. But beyond the financial cost, the emotional toll of flooding can be devastating and long-lasting. That's why it's so important to understand your personal flood risk and take steps to protect yourself, your home, and your family."

This Flood Week guidance comes as flooding incidents across the UK continue to rise, primarily due to the effects of climate change. Precipitation levels reached up to a third above average throughout 2024, whilst last winter saw the Environment Agency distribute over 3,000 flood alerts, 1,600 flood warnings, and three severe flood warnings to those at risk.

Now, the Environment Agency is working alongside the Government to direct £2.65 billion of funding by March 2026, with the goal of strengthening national flood defences through the construction of new barriers and improvements to existing infrastructure.

In preparation for this winter, the Environment Agency has positioned 260 portable pumps, including 17 ultra-high-volume units, to redirect floodwater. Additionally, 25km of temporary flood barriers stand ready for deployment throughout England.

Amidst this, Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Will Lang, also added: "While the longer-range forecast suggests that the likelihood of drier conditions over the coming months is close to normal, regional variations in rainfall remain likely.

"With an increased chance of north-westerly weather patterns, much of the rainfall may be concentrated in upland areas of the north and northwest UK.

"Importantly, even though the overall signal points to slightly drier conditions at times, the potential for locally intense or prolonged rainfall remains possible and underlines the importance of staying prepared, particularly in regions more vulnerable to such impacts."

UK officials urge Brits to 'have a flood plan' amid weather risks