Thunderstorms in the UK: practical lightning safety
Make a UK thunderstorm plan: choose proper shelter, stop exposed activities, manage journeys and know when to seek emergency help.
The UK reference library
Weather & Natural Disasters
Prepare for lightning, wildfire smoke, coastal flooding and frozen pipes, and approach flood recovery safely.
Full image attribution
London MMB »1E6 Lightning.jpg — mattbuck ( category ); CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:London_MMB_%C2%BB1E6_Lightning.jpg
A forecast is useful when you can connect it to a decision. These guides cover specific hazards and the actions that may change with location, building type and official instructions. Coastal flooding has different access problems from an inland leak; returning after a flood brings hazards that remain after the water falls. Use current warnings and local emergency advice alongside the background planning here.
Read, plan, practise
5 guides
Wildfire smoke and nearby fires: a UK household plan
Prepare for nearby wildfire and smoke with clear information sources, accessible evacuation arrangements and sensible indoor precautions.
Coastal flooding and storm surges: know when to leave
Plan for coastal flooding with local warnings, accessible evacuation routes, tide awareness and safe decisions before roads are cut off.
Frozen and burst pipes: prevention and safe first steps
Find vulnerable pipes, prepare for a freeze and respond safely to suspected freezing or a burst without risky heating or electrical work.
Returning home after a flood: a safe recovery checklist
Check permission to return, utility safety, contamination and insurance evidence before cleaning and drying a flood-damaged UK home.