New online service launched to help households prepare for flooding

Households in England can now access flood risk information, weather warnings and practical preparedness advice through a new online service.

Flood Action Online was announced by the Government on 12 October 2026, during the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week.

The service brings together information that previously had to be found across several different websites, making it easier for residents to check local risks and find advice on protecting their properties.

What information is available?

The service provides access to flood risk information, Environment Agency warnings and Met Office weather alerts.

Householders can also find advice on measures that may reduce damage if flooding occurs.

These include preparing a flood plan, identifying valuable items that could be moved to safety and considering improvements to a property’s flood resistance.

The new service forms part of a wider government programme to improve flood protection.

Ministers have set a target for 200,000 properties to benefit from £4.2 billion of investment in new and existing flood defences between April 2025 and March 2029.

The Government estimates that the investment could prevent £27.9 billion in economic damage.

Checking your property’s flood risk

Flooding can affect properties in different ways, including from rivers, the sea and surface water following heavy rainfall.

Residents can check their long-term flood risk using the Government’s flood risk service.

Those living in areas where warnings are available can also sign up to receive alerts.

While flood defences can reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding, they cannot remove every risk. Knowing what to do if a warning is issued remains an important part of household preparedness.