Flooding

When there is a risk of flooding warnings are broadcast on television and radio weather forecasts and travel bulletins. Make sure you know the frequency for your local radio station.

The Environment Agency provides flood warnings and public advice, as well as a 24-hour flood information service.

The number for Floodline is 0345 988 1188 (or Type Talk: 0345 602 6340) where you can listen to recorded flood warning information or speak to an operator for general information and advice 24 hours a day.

The person who can do the most to prepare for flooding is you.

During a flood, you may find you're without lighting, heating or a telephone line so the better prepared you are the better you'll cope if you are caught in a flood situation.

Before a flood

Be Aware. Be Prepared. The time to think is now don't wait until it happens.

See how putting a grab bag may will help you to respond see the preparing for an emergency page.

If your house is potentially at risk from flooding here are some key things to remember.

If you are in a flood risk area find out if you can sign up to the Environment Agency's free 24 hour Floodline Warnings Direct service by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (or Type Talk: 0345 602 6340). You can select to receive warnings by phone, text or email.

Keep details of your insurance policy and the emergency contact numbers for your local council, emergency services and Floodline quick dial number somewhere safe - preferably as part of your emergency flood kit.

Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

If a flood is forecasted, take valuable items upstairs and take photos for insurance purposes.

Leave internal doors open, or ideally, remove them and store them upstairs.

Outside the house

Move anything not fixed down into a safer location, e.g. dustbins, garden chemicals car oil and similar.

Move your car to higher ground to avoid damage.

Weigh down manhole covers outside the house to prevent them floating away and leaving a hazardous hole.

See our page about who to call regarding drains and gullies for more advice.

For more information on preparing for a flood and other publications visit the Environment Agency's website

Sandbags

We do not supply sandbags or flood protection products directly to the public.

Builder's Merchants and DIY Stores may have sandbags available.

If you can't obtain sandbags, you can make them yourself by filling things like compost bags, old pillowcases or carrier bags filled with earth or sand.

Floods can kill. Don't try to walk or drive though floodwater - six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car.

Manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards you can't see.

Never try to swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or be struck by an object in the water.

Don't walk on riverbanks or cross river bridges - they may collapse in extreme situations.

Floodwater contains sewage and other contaminants. Do not eat food that has come into contact with the water. Wash your hands with disinfectant if you come into contact with the water directly.

"Ready-to -eat" foods which have or may be contaminated with flood water should be discarded. Sealed tinned foods are likely to be safe to eat if washed down.

Move your family and pets upstairs or to higher ground. If the flooding is severe the authorities may move you to temporary accommodation.

Do not drink, clean your teeth or cook with your water supply until the environmental health officer has pronounced it fit for human consumption again. Your full system needs to be flushed through to remove any possible contamination.

For more information on what to do during a flood and other publications visit the Environment Agency's Flooding Advice website.

Make sure it is safe to go home and that your residence is still structurally safe.

Call your insurance company's (24 hour) Emergency Helpline as soon as possible. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assistance in getting things back to normal.

Take photos of any flood damage to your property in order to assist with your insurance claim.

The Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to offer advice on how to obtain money in an emergency and deal with insurance queries.

Open doors and windows to ventilate the house but take care to ensure your house and valuables are secure. It takes a house brick about a month per inch to dry out.

Contact you gas, electricity and water company. Have your power supplies checked before you turn them back on. Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use.

Throw away food which may have been in contact with flood water - it could be contaminated.

Contact your Environmental Health department for advice.

Beware of bogus traders. Always check references and if possible get recommendations. Contact Trading Standards for advice.

For more information on recovering from a flood and other publications visit the Environment Agency's Flooding Advice website.