Preparing for emergencies - flooding advice
The Flood Hub has been designed to be a one stop shop for flood information and resources to support householders, businesses and communities across the North West in becoming more flood resilient. We have pulled together multiple sources of guidance to produce a hub of information that gives an overview of flood resilience and it's many related topics. By signposting a variety of other useful sources, you will easily be able to find all the information you need either within our content or by visiting one of the linked websites.
Floods can sometimes happen without any prior warning, or you may not live in a flood risk area, so you may not be notified by a flood alert or warning before one affects you. In this case, or in the case of experiencing a non-weather related flood, you should know who to call to report the different types of flooding.
Find out if you are at risk of flooding:
To find out if there are Flood Warnings in your area:
Before flooding:
- find out if you are at risk of flooding
- contact the Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice on current conditions and or visit the Gov.uk website
- put together an overnight bag in case you have to be evacuated
- Contact Westmorland and Furness Council for additional flooding advice.
- protect doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or plastic bags filled with sand or earth. Remember to unblock before using gas or ventilating equipment
- check on your neighbours, especially those who are elderly or infirm and inform the Emergency Services or Flood Warden of their location
During flooding:
- keep calm, if you are in danger dial 999 and/or attract attention of people nearby
- turn off water, gas and electricity supplies at the first sign of flooding in your property
- if trapped, remain near a window where you can be seen
- if the Emergency Services are on the scene, follow their instructions
- be prepared, you may need to be evacuated
- do not enter flood waters as depth and current can be deceiving. Just 6 inches (15mm) of flood water can knock an adult off their feet. The flood waters may also be contaminated with sewage and there may be hidden dangers
- move your family, pets an valuables upstairs or to higher ground if threatened by floods
After flooding:
- contact your insurer
- do not switch on gas or electricity until it is checked by a professional
- do not use food that has been in contact with flood water
- always wear waterproof gloves when handling soiled items, and always wash your hands if you touch anything soiled by the flood water
- thoroughly clean and disinfect all items soiled by flood water
- assume flood water contains sewage
Met Office - Heavy rain weather warnings.
Environment Agency - Flooding and extreme weather.
Public Health England - useful documents about flooding.