Emergency action list

A "Flood Warning" or "Severe Flood Warning" is issued

Move possessions to a higher level

Protect doorways and air-vents with sandbags or flood-boards

Monitor TV weather reports, and the Environment Agency's Floodline - 0845 988 1188 - or Flood Warning website

Flood warnings are also issued on Ceefax page 419 and Teletext page 154

If your home is flooded turn off gas, electricity and water supplies

Move upstairs if possible

If trapped in deep flooding stay by a window and call for help

When water recedes don't switch gas etc back on until systems are inspected

Do throw away food that has been in contact with flood water

Heat-Health Watch average threshold temperature is

30°C by day and 15°C overnight

The Heat-Health Watch system comprises four levels of response based upon threshold maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures These thresholds vary by region, but an average threshold temperature is 30 °C by day and 15 °C overnight. Keep up to date by visiting the Heat-Health Watch system which operates in England from

1 June to 15 September each year

Stay out of the sun

Keep your home as cool as possible - shutting windows during the day may help

Open them when it is cooler at night

Keep drinking fluids

If there is anyone you know who might be at special risk, for example an older person living on their own, make sure they know what to do

Advice on how to reduce the risk, either for yourself or somebody you know, can be obtained from NHS Direct or on 0845 4647, or from your local pharmacist

Go indoors and stay there

Bring pets inside too

Close outside doors, windows air vents

Turn off fans - hot air heating systems, ventilation etc

Cover all unsealed fresh food

Listen to your local radio station for further advice

Don't go outside until told it is safe to do so

Don't try to collect children from school unless instructed to - they will be looked after

Don't use rainwater, or eat locally grown vegetables until told they are safe