According to the Environment Agency, over five million people in England live and work in properties at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, whilst more face flood threats from groundwater, surface water, sewers, and reservoirs.
GoCompare has put together a guide on preparing for a flood and protecting your property.
In extreme conditions you won't be able to stop flood water, and you should always put personal safety above attempts to protect property and possessions. Despite this, there are steps that you can take to keep water out, buy yourself time, preserve property and possessions, and limit the damage from flood water.