Flooding

You can’t prevent it, but you can prepare for it.

Flooding is a natural process that can happen suddenly. To help in preparing a response to a flood, the Environment Agency has the role of principal flood defence operating authority in England and Wales. It is responsible for providing flood defences and issuing warnings to the public.

While the Environment Agency provides advance warning of flooding wherever possible, it is your responsibility to protect yourself and your family. If you live in a flood risk area, do what you can now to prepare for a flood. Don’t wait until it happens, you may not have time.

To find out if your property is at risk from flooding, use the Environment Agency flood maps.

The Environment Agency operates a four stage system that includes an 'all clear' stage when all flood warnings and flood watches are removed. The definition of each stage is:

• Flood watch - flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected. Be Aware, be prepared. Watch out.
• Flood warning - flooding of homes, businesses is expected. Act now!
• Severe flood warning - severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!
• All clear - flood watches or warnings are no longer in force for this area.

For more information on the flood warning service, visit the know your codes page of the Environment Agency website.

Further advice about risks or levels of protection in particular areas, or to particular properties, can be obtained from the Environment Agency as follows:

• Floodline - 0845 9881188 - call this to get information on flooding
• General Enquiries - 0845 9333111 - call this to be put through to your local office
• Emergency Hotline - 0800 807060 - call this for emergencies such as reporting a pollution incident

or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.