Advice from the Environment Agency
As winter approaches, ensuring our communities are well-prepared is of utmost importance. To support your efforts, we are pleased to enclose a selection of helpful links and advice on winter readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I own a watercourse?
Find out more information here:www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse
Is my area at risk of flooding?
Find out if your area is at risk of flooding, the current alerts and warnings that have been issued and sign up for free flood warnings here www.gov.uk/check-flooding or call our Floodline service on 0345 988 1188. Sign up for flood warnings here:www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
An explanation about what flood warnings are and what to do is available here www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-alerts-and-warnings-what-they-are-and-what-to-do
You may find this document helpful on surface water flooding https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-risk-maps-for-surface-water-how-to-use-the-map but if you do have concerns regarding surface water flooding, this will be addressed by your local authority.
Who maintains the flood risk asset near me?
Structures or features that help manage the risk of flooding or coastal erosion can be designated as a flood risk management asset. Please use the following government link to find out who is the maintainer of these assets: https://environment.data.gov.uk/asset-management/index.html
What more can I do to protect my property?
You can find out how to put together Flood Plans for your home, business or community here www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding
If you think you are about to be flooded (i.e. flood warning or severe flood warning issued) then please:
Turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it is safe to do so – do not touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water
Move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety e.g. upstairs or higher ground
Use flood products if you have them e.g. flood barriers or air brick covers
Follow advice from the emergency services or local council – you may be asked to evacuate
For information on Flood Products to help reduce the impact of flooding on your home e.g. flood doors, airbrick covers, visit www.bluepages.org.uk Alternatives include putting soil in bags to go across doorways, and down the toilet/sink.
You could prepare an Emergency Bag of essential items. This might include spare glasses, waterproof coat, medication and a copy of any recent prescription, water, food, insurance documents and pet food. You could consider hand sanitiser and a face covering too.
Do shop around to find the right insurance policy for you. Why not see if Flood Re can help – www.floodre.co.uk? This is a joint initiative between Government and insurers aiming to make the flood cover part of household insurance policies more affordable. For advice about insurance look online here: www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding/get-insurance.
If you have any queries, please contact lnenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
Kind regards, Asset Performance Team , Environment Agency