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Flooding

Flooding can ruin people's lives and homes and is one of the most devastating natural acts that can occur. Many people live in flood risk areas and here we provide information on preparing for a flood, where help is available from and also on cleaning up after the event.

If you live along a riverbank there is always the possibility that bad weather will threaten your property with flooding - but what can you do to prepare?

Flood warnings

The first thing to do is register to receive Flood Warnings from the Environment Agency so you know exactly where and what is happening. If flooding is forecast the warning is issued using these four codes:

  • Flood watch - flooding is possible. Be aware! Be prepared!
  • Flood warning - flooding is expected affecting homes, businesses and main roads. Act now!
  • Severe flood warning - severe flooding expected. Imminent danger to life and property. Act now!
  • All clear - Issued when there are no flood warnings in force or flood water levels are re-ceding.

For real-time flood warnings and advice you can call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides flood warnings direct to you by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message, fax or pager.

How can I be prepared

You can prepare for flooding by following these three simple steps:

You can also refer to our PDF icon Flood Protection Policy which will tell you how we will assist if an area becomes flooded.

What to do in an emergency

You must listen to and act on the advice of the emergency services and follow these simple steps:

  1. Put people before property. Move your family and pets upstairs, with a means of escape.
  2. Gather essential items (like water, blankets, a torch, first aid kit, essential medication and food) and put them out of the way of flood water to keep dry.
  3. Listen to local radio for updates or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
  4. Put plugs in sinks and baths. Weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object to avoid water backing up through drains into sinks and toilets.
  5. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.

Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.

Protect what you can

Move important items to safety and put flood protection equipment in place when there is a flood warning. If you are using flood protection equipment, follow manufacturer instructions carefully to help stop the flood water.

  • Take items upstairs or to a high point in your property
  • Safely store important documents such as insurance papers
  • Move items of personal value such as photos, family videos or treasured mementos
  • Move lightweight household belongings you can pick up easily and quickly
  • Move items of furniture that are expensive or harder to repair before cheaper ones
  • If possible, move your outside belongings to higher ground
  • If the flood water hasn't reached you, move your car to higher ground and move outdoor pets to safety
  • Help stop water entering your home by putting plugs in sinks and baths and weigh them down with a sandbag, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object. This will stop water/sewerage backing up through blocked or overloaded systems into your sinks and toilets
  • If you do not have non-return valves fitted plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths
  • Disconnect any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers)

You can also keep up to date on any floods that occur in Bolsover district or across Derbyshire by visiting the Derbyshire Prepared website or for further detailed advice and information please visit the Environment Agency website.

Last Updated on Thursday, 08 March 2012 14:09

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