We respond to flooding and weather related incidents to rescue people at risk in floodwater and to help the community in many other ways.
When flood warnings are issued, the Environment Agency will activate a widget which will appear below.
If you are in an area liable to flooding, then it is a good idea to start making a personal flood plan which should include the following points:
• Know who to contact and how and keep a list with all your important contacts to hand
• Think about what you can move to a safe place before the waters arrive
• Check your insurance cover
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies• Prepare a flood kit of essential items including home insurance documents and keep it handy
For more advice on preparing for a flood, follow the Environment Agency advice on: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
The Met Office issues weather warnings about predicted severe weather conditions on its website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/#?tab=map
The Environment Agency issues flood warnings for areas which are most at risk of flooding:
https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding
The Agency has produced a guide on what to do to protect yourself and your property before, during and after a flood which can be downloaded here:
http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/LIT_5216_d5fc0d.pdf
Sign up to receive flood warnings:
- Online - https://fwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/app/olr/home
- By phone - 0345 988 1188 or using Typetalk on 0845 602 6340
Public Health England has produced some frequently asked questions and other advice on health issues associated with flooding:
Travel disruption and road closures
Flooding incidents often lead to road closures and transport disruption, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Never drive through flood water, you will never know how deep it is.
To check on road closures in your area, go to:
Somerset http://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-transport/
Devon http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/transportroads/traffic.htm
National
Please take a moment to look at our leaflet on The hidden dangers on flooded roads.
Sandbags
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service does not provide sandbags. For information on the provision of sandbags in your area, contact your local authority.
The Electrical Safety Council would like to help those households that may be affected and have provided the leaflet, available on the link below, to help home owners.
Where to start when the flood water has gone
All our safety information can be made available in other languages. Please contact 0800 050 2999 to request a copy.
