Preparedness

Flooding

Flooding

Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards in the UK and can happen at any time of year. Flooding can result from heavy rainfall, rivers overflowing, surface water, groundwater, reservoirs or high tides affecting coastal areas. While it is not always possible to prevent flooding, there are steps that residents, businesses and communities can take to reduce the impact. Understanding your flood risk and preparing in advance can help protect people, property and possessions.

During periods of heavy rain or severe weather, it is important to stay informed and follow advice from emergency services, local authorities and flood warning services.

What You Can Do

Check Your Flood Risk. Knowing whether your home, business or local area is at risk of flooding can help you prepare.

Consider checking:

  • River and surface water flood risk.
  • Local weather forecasts.
  • Flood warnings during periods of heavy rainfall.

Sign Up for Flood Warnings

Flood warnings can provide valuable time to prepare and take action before flooding occurs.

Registering for flood alerts can help you stay informed about flooding risks in your area and receive updates when conditions change.

Make a Flood Plan

Having a plan in place can help you respond quickly and safely if flooding is expected.

Think about:

  • How you would leave your property if necessary.
  • Where you would go if evacuation was required.
  • How you would transport pets.
  • Important contact details.
  • Family members who may need additional support.
  • Keep important phone numbers and information somewhere easy to access.

Prepare Essential Items

Consider keeping essential items together so they can be accessed quickly if required. These may include:

  • Essential medication.
  • Identification documents.
  • Insurance details.
  • Mobile phone chargers.
  • Torches and spare batteries.
  • Bottled water.
  • Waterproof clothing.
  • Items required for children or pets.

Important documents should be stored in waterproof containers wherever possible.

Protect Your Property

If flooding is expected, take practical steps to reduce potential damage. This may include:

Moving valuable items upstairs or to higher ground.

Relocating vehicles away from flood-risk areas.

Installing flood protection measures where appropriate.

Knowing how to safely turn off utilities if required..

Take Action Early

If flood warnings are issued, act as early as possible.

Move people, pets, vehicles and essential belongings to safety and follow any advice issued by emergency services or the local authority.

Never Enter Floodwater. Floodwater can be extremely dangerous. Even shallow water may:

  • Be deeper than it appears.
  • Move faster than expected.
  • Contain hidden hazards.
  • Be contaminated.

Never walk, cycle or drive through floodwater. If your route is flooded, turn around and find an alternative way.

Be Prepared to Evacuate

If emergency services advise you to leave the area, do so promptly and calmly.

Take essential items with you, follow the recommended route and do not return home until it has been declared safe to do so.

Keep Utilities Safe. If flooding affects your property, only turn off electricity, gas or water supplies if it is safe to do so.

Never touch electrical equipment while standing in water. If appliances have been affected by flooding, seek professional advice before using them again.

Returning Home After Flooding

Only return to your property when emergency services or other authorities advise it is safe.

When cleaning up:

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves and waterproof footwear.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact with floodwater.
  • Open windows and ventilate the property where possible.
  • Follow any public health advice provided.
  • If food has come into contact with floodwater, it should be disposed of safely.

After flooding:

  • Photograph damage as soon as possible.
  • Record flood levels where practical.
  • Contact your insurance provider promptly.
  • Keep records of any costs incurred.

Bulking waste collections can be arranged via the following link: Service information | Bulky waste collection | Harborough District Council

Support Your Community

Flooding can have a significant impact on local communities.

Consider checking on neighbours, friends and relatives who may need assistance, particularly older people, disabled people and those with medical needs.

Advice for Businesses and Community Organisations

Businesses and community groups should consider how flooding could affect staff, premises and services. This may include:

  • Maintaining a flood response plan.
  • Protecting important records and equipment.
  • Identifying alternative working arrangements.
  • Planning for supplier disruption.
  • Ensuring continuity of critical services.

Further Information