Flooding advice
As a resident there is lots you can do to prepare for flooding and ensure it has as little effect on you, your community and property as possible. The County Council has provided a Flood Guide where you can find out about the small things you could do now to make you more flood resilient, or to report an incident if the worst happens.
Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA)
Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Gloucestershire County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority and has responsibilities for:
- investigating and reporting flooding incidents
- managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses (i.e. non main rivers)
- producing a local flood risk management strategy
- consenting works on ordinary water courses
- enforcing works to maintain the flow on ordinary water courses
See more information on the County councils role.
Be prepared
Flooding can happen quickly and unexpectedly. There are things you can do to limit its impact on your property. If you live in a flood risk area, do what you can now to prepare for a flood.
Personal flood plan
The personal flood plan includes a list of things you should do (like moving sentimental items to safety), and provides space for you to note down important contact details such as your utility companies and insurance. The Environment Agency have created a personal flood plan template.
You may also want to think about developing a community resilience plan.
Flood alerts and warnings
You can view flood warnings and register for alerts on GOV.UK, or by calling 0345 988 1188
Sandbags
We do not provide sandbags for individual domestic use. We can provide sandbags for strategic deployment during flooding, for the protection of essential services such as electricity or water supplies.
You can buy sandbags from most local builders merchants in advance if you think your property may be at risk from flooding.
- The Environment Agency have published a guide on how best to use them
- The Gloucestershire Local Resilience Forum have produced a video guide on how to effectively protect your property against flood water using sandbags
What to do during a flood
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
You can listen to local radio for updates or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
If you are flooded:
- make sure you have access to clean water
- move essential items upstairs or out of reach of the water
- turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. Do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
Travel during flooding
Do not walk through flooded areas, there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels.
Do not try to drive through flooded roads or fords, the water is often deeper than it looks and your vehicle may be swept away or you may become stranded.
For the latest travel and transport information visit:
- Gloucestershire County Council for flooding road closures
- local bus services updates
- changes to train services on National Rail