FLOOD INFORMATION

Buckinghamshire Council have launched a new website, Buckinghamshire Be Flood Ready, which has lots of information on how residents can make their homes more flood resilient, prepare a flood plan, find out what to do after a flood, get advice on insurance and who to contact.

They also recommend that residents:

· Check if the area they live in is at risk of flooding

· Sign up for flood warnings

· Check what to do during a flood

Buckinghamshire Council have a limited stock of sandbags intended for use on highways and during times of emergency and will try to assist residents by delivering these to properties at imminent risk of flooding, but this depends on the availability of crews to transport them. To request sandbags – in an emergency only – view our emergency contact details.

It is a property owner’s responsibility to take appropriate action to protect their own property from flooding, and to look after their property if it does flood.

Therefore, it is important that people are aware of their flood risk and take measures to better protect themselves, where appropriate. Local authorities and other agencies may assist depending on resources. Property owners within a flood warning area can receive warnings direct to their home or work through the Environment Agency’s Floodline Warning Direct System.

If your property is at risk of flooding you should sign up to the Environment Agency free Flood Warning system (rivers) and also the Met Office or similar for severe weather warnings (surface water flooding) so that you can take steps to secure your property or business if heavy rains or river flooding is expected Check the long term flood risk for an area in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) & Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Other useful information:

• Homeowners who have already suffered damage from flooding can also ask their home insurers about the ’Build Back Better’ scheme. If their home insurance includes this scheme as part of the policy, the insurer should work with them to assess if additional flood resilience or resistance measures could benefit their home in the future. The scheme covers the cost of installing such measures up to the value of £10,000, over and above work to repair damage and loss caused by a flood.
• The National Flood Forum is a charity who helps, supports and represents people at risk of flooding. They have guidance on Protecting Your Property, which provides advice on how property owners can make their own property more resilient to flooding. In particular, the Property Protection Advisor tool allows you to enter details of your property and will suggest suitable measures and indicative product costs for your property. It is free to use and has no ongoing obligations. For further information on how to go about protecting your property, please see the useful links on the Buckinghamshire Council website.
• The National Flood Forum has a helpline that provides general support before, during and after a flood on issues including insurance, home re-instatement and home resilience. Contact the National Flood Forum charity: 01299 403 055 or see: https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk
• Flood Mary is another good source of information: https://floodmary.com
• Advice on steps to take after your home has been flooded, either immediately after a flood or for long term recovery, can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council Be Flood Ready website.

Please also see Buckinghamshire Councils flood advice at:

Flooding and flood risk management | Buckinghamshire Council

Flood defences

There are several different types of flood defences you could invest in, from flood doors and barriers that stop water from coming in through your door to air brick protection. You could also consider investing in a portable pump. If you aren’t sure where to start - Property Protection Advisor – National Flood Forum can give you an idea of the kind of defences you could buy and how much they might cost. Although some of these options might seem expensive they can be really effective, and much more useful than sandbags.

If a flood warning is received:

· Move vehicles to higher ground if it’s safe to do so

· Move family and pets to safety

· Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings

· Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water

· If you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now

· Keep track of the latest situation

Useful Contacts

Buckinghamshire Council - 0300 131 6000

National Flood Forum – 01299 403055

Buckingham Citizen’s Advice – 01280 816787 / Bucks Adviceline on 0808 278 7938

Anglian Water - 03457 145 145

Environment Agency - 03708 506 506 (general enquiries)

FLOODLINE on: 0345 988 1188

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Find out what flood warning service is available where you live.

• Get practical advice on what to do before, during and after flooding.

• Get a Quick dial number for easy access to information on flooding in your area.

Flooding on the public highway – Buckinghamshire Highways

In office hours - Telephone: 01296 382 416

Out of office hours - Telephone: 01296 486 630

Or online via:

Report a blocked drain or flooding | Buckinghamshire Council