Top tips!

• Understand the causes of flooding in your area – this will help you identify the best ways to reduce your risk and develop response plans
• Sign up for the Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct service
• Save useful websites as favourites on your computer or tablet, so that you can access them quickly if required, good examples are included in related links
• Download useful apps for your mobile or tablet, good examples include:
  • Flood Alert for Android, iOS and Windows
  • Met Office Forecasts for Android, iOS and Windows
• Think about investing in defence products or adaptations for your home. It is your responsibility as owner or landlord to protect your property from flooding. For help in choosing the right solution for you, see our property level flood protection advice
• Check your home and car insurance policies, make sure they are adequate for your needs and you know how to make a claim
• See our Get Involved information for more information on initiatives in your area

Useful Links: Met Office Forecasts; Flood Information Service

The Environment Agency have also published a leaflet about preparing for flooding.

For general tips, see our Get Prepared information about preparing for emergencies at home, in your community and at work.

Remember, always stay safe: in an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services or call 999

If you are affected by flood water you should report it to the responsible agency as follows:

• Flood water on or from the highway: Somerset Highways
• From a main river (you can check if it is a main river here) please call the Environment Agency Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60
• From any other type of watercourse or from groundwater please email flooding@somerset.gov.uk or call Somerset Council on 0300 123 2224
• From a public sewer or water main: your local water supplier

Note: reporting will not trigger an immediate response.

Top tips!

Take necessary steps to protect yourself and your property including:

• Move valuable items upstairs and put flood protection measures in place
• Secure any outside items that may cause further damage
• Turn off utilities to parts of the property that may be flooded and do not drink water from the mains supply – it may be contaminated
• Tune into local media for updates and follow advice from the emergency services
• Keep up to date with alerts and forecasts – check the related links for useful information

Further practical advice:

• Avoid driving through flood water; you may be putting yourself and others at risk. For information on driving and dealing with floods, visit the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
• Do not try to walk through flood water, it may be deeper than it appears, or be concealing dangerous obstacles
• Do not enter moving water – moving water 18 inches (45cm) deep can knock an adult over
• Be aware of the location of drain and manhole covers, water pressure can lift them out of place
• All flood water is potentially contaminated. Do not allow children to play in it and ensure that you wash yourself thoroughly if you have been in contact with flood water
• Ensure where possible that drains and screens are clear of debris to allow water to flow away freely
• Do not approach any power cables that have been brought down by the weather – they could still be live
• Check that pets and livestock kept outside can move freely and escape rising water
• If you are travelling in remote areas ensure that family or friends know when you are leaving and your expected arrival time

Useful Links: Live Flood Warnings; Live River Levels; Live Weather Warnings; 5-Day Flood Forecast

Following a flood there will be hazards revealed as the water clears, consider the following as you recover from the impacts of an incident.

Top Tips!

• Assume floodwater has been contaminated with sewage and avoid contact wherever possible. For further health advice when dealing with flood affected areas visit Public Health England.
• It’s important to stop harmful germs that might be present in floodwater from spreading to food. For advice on cleaning preparation areas after a flood visit the Food Standards Agency.
• Flooding presents a number of hazards to utilities in the home. Follow electric and gas safety advice before switching them back on.
• Contact your insurer if you haven’t already, and let them know the situation. They will advise you of the next steps to take in restoring your home and belongings.
• Report it (see section above). Reporting when your property has flooded helps the Environment Agency and the Council investigate why the flood has occurred and look for possible methods to mitigate the risk of it happening again in the future.

Useful Links: Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme; Association of British Insurers

The Environment Agency has also prepared a leaflet about local support.