"I clung on to a mobile chalet but an elderly lady could not hold on and was starting to get swept away. My husband and I grabbed hold of her and pulled her back. We managed to get into the chalet but the water was rising all the time."

Stay somewhere safe and be careful. It's your responsibility to look after yourself and your family during the flood.

Do read this card carefully. Don't leave your home unless you have to.

• Do keep watching and listening. Stay alert, events can change very quickly during a flood. Keep an eye on the weather and listen out for warnings on the radio and TV.

• Do be careful. It is tempting to stand on walls and bridges to see what is happening but it is all too easy to slip and fall in.

• Do move people and pets upstairs or to higher ground.

• Do listen to local radio and TV for announcements. If the flooding is serious the emergency services and your local authority may decide to evacuate you. Do exactly what they tell you. Remember to take supplies such as medication with you, you may be away from your home for a while.

• Don't drive through floodwater. Two feet of flowing water is enough to sweep your car away.

• Don't walk in floodwater that is above knee level, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects and you won't be able to see them.

• Don't touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly everything that's got wet.