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Emergency flood guidance

If you have a flooding emergency contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service on 999 or 112.  Although the Fire Service’s main responsibility is saving lives, they may also help pump out floodwater from your property depending on how busy they are.

Who to contact depending on the cause and location of the flooding: 

Flooding issue Who to contact
Roads (except the A38), including blocked drains Plymouth City Council 
Telephone: 01752 668000  
A38 National Highways
Telephone: 0300 123 5000
Main rivers (Tamar, Plym, Forder Valley, Boringdon, Tory Brook, Long Brook and Tamerton stream) and the sea Environment Agency
Telephone: 0800 80 70 60
Burst water main or sewer South West Water
Telephone: 0344 346 2020     

During a flood incident you should focus on your safety and the safety of others:

Do

  • Follow the advice of the emergency services
  • Use your emergency flood plan if you have one
  • Turn off gas, water and electricity
  • Before floodwater enters your home, close and lock downstairs windows and doors. Keep the keys safely to hand
  • Move things upstairs or to safety
  • Move family, pets and motor vehicles to safety
  • Stay in your property if it is safe to do so or until either the emergency services tell you otherwise or the floodwater has gone
  • Respect road closure signs, whether you are driving or walking
  • If you come into contact with floodwater, wash any exposed body parts with bottled or cool boiled water before handling food or looking after wounds – there is a risk that the floodwater could be contaminated
  • If it is safe to do so, take photos and record information that will help a later insurance claim

Don't

  • Drive or walk through flooded areas. If it is essential to walk through shallow water, take care for hidden holes, obstacles and other hazards
  • Allow children or vulnerable people to go into the floodwater
  • Smoke, eat or drink while in contact with floodwater