Responding to a flood

Information is also available from the Environment Agency.

1.  I’m in danger, or my neighbour is in danger.

Ring the emergency services (999) and tune into local television and radio for updates. Do not take any chances with your own safety, or the safety of others.

If you are able to, please remember to check on the welfare of your neighbours.

2. What hazards should I be aware of?

Members of the public are reminded not to enter floodwater as hidden hazards, such as lifted manhole covers, may lie beneath the surface.

Motorists are warned to think before they drive through floodwater, not only because of the risk of getting stuck but also because they could inadvertently cause flooding to nearby properties. Advice on driving in poor conditions is available on the AA’s website.

Floodwater is often contaminated and care should be taken when handling any material that has been in contact with it. Information on the health implications of flooding is available from Public Health England .

3. Where can I obtain sandbags?

Home-owners and businesses are responsible for protecting their properties from flooding. Households that rely upon sandbags to protect their property should purchase them from local DIY stores or building merchants. Please note that sandbags must be placed properly in order to provide suitable protection.

If your home is at risk of flooding and you are unable to acquire your own sandbags, we may be able to help. Please contact the Rushcliffe Customer Service Centre for assistance.

Please note that local authorities will not be able to respond to all sandbag requests if flooding is widespread. In such instances Rushcliffe Borough Council will give priority to residents that are most at risk and unable to help themselves.

It is unlikely that sandbags will be provided to businesses as we must prioritise support to those most vulnerable during a flood. Nor will sandbags be provided for protecting gardens or outbuildings (e.g. sheds, garages).

4. Who should I notify about flooding on the road network?

Nottinghamshire County Council is responsible for the highway network. If a road frequently floods, or has very large amounts of standing water on it, please report standing water online or contact Nottinghamshire County Council’s customer service centre.

5. Who should I notify about sewer flooding?

If you think the flooding in your area contains foul water from a sewer, please contact Severn Trent Water.

6. How do I find out about disruption to the road network and other public services?

Nottinghamshire County Council’s website provides information about disruption to services, including road closures and school closures. ‘Nottingham Travelwise’ publicises traffic disruption via Twitter.

Please also listen to your local radio station for the latest traffic updates.

7. What happens if properties are evacuated?

If flooding is severe, the emergency services may recommend that residents evacuate their property. Evacuees will be directed to a place of safety where an initial assessment of their needs will be made.

Depending on the scale, duration and nature of the evacuation, residents may be temporarily re-housed in hotels, bed & breakfasts, hostels, residential homes or other temporary accommodation according to their needs. Many evacuees prefer to stay with family or friends as this often provides the most comfortable and supportive environment.

In the event of a large-scale evacuation, local authorities may open a rest centre. This is a facility, such as a leisure centre, where the immediate welfare needs of evacuees can be met.

After a flood

Here’s practical steps you can take to help you to recover your home or business if it has been damaged by a flood.

• take care as there may be hidden dangers in the flood water and it could be contaminated
• contact your insurance company and follow their advice. It’s likely they will send a loss adjuster to look at your property. They will confirm what repairs and replacements are needed and covered by your policy, and may arrange a skip for the disposal of damaged items
• if you rent your property, contact your landlord and contents insurer
• if you do not have insurance, email us for assistance

Cleaning up – remember to take precautions

• flood water is likely to be contaminated, always wear waterproof gloves and clothing
• contact a qualified electrician / gas engineer to check that it is safe to turn supplies back on. Don’t touch sources of electricity when stood in flood water
• once it has been checked by an engineer, turn on your central heating to aid drying
• ordinary household products can be used to clean your property. Check with your insurance company as they may hire a company to do this for you
• your insurer may also provide a skip
• see information about cleaning up your garden [PDF]
• contact your home insurance for assistance in pumping flood water from your property

Recording damage

It is important for flood investigations and insurance purposes that you make a note of the damage to your property. It is advised that you:

• mark on the wall the height the flood water reached in each room
• photograph or video the flood water and damage
• make a list of the damage to your property and belongings
• Keep a note of all correspondence with insurance companies and any other organisations that are assisting you.

Support

A flood that has affected your or your community can be traumatic. Do not overdo it when cleaning up, and remember that tiredness, difficulty sleeping and anxiety are normal in these circumstances. To help support you, your family and friends in the aftermath of a flood, consider the following:

• we and partner councils will help you and your community recover after a flood, information and support services established in response to the flooding will be advertised locally
• you may be eligible for flood grants/support schemes
• join a community meeting/group to share your experiences with those who understand what you are going through
• if you are concerned about your, or a family members, mental health or any other health issue make an appointment with your GP
• if you are finding it difficult to cope and want to talk with someone the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day: 08457 90 90 90

Notify the County Council

As the Lead Flood Authority, Nottinghamshire County Council may be able to carry out a flood investigation to identify why your property/community has flooded, and if this could be prevented in the future.

Provide any details of property flooding, including photographs, to the Flood Risk Team:
Report flooding

flood.team@nottscc.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

Further Frequently Asked Questions:

I can't return my home what can I do?

Try to stay with friends or family until the risk is over.

Contact your insurer, as they might be able to arrange accommodation and contact us by emailing customerservices@rushcliffe.gov.uk as we may be able to help with opening an emergency shelter.

I have no water/gas/electricity what should I do?

Your utilities may have been switched off for safety reasons. Do not switch on any utilities until you have checked with an expert that is safe to do so. You should contact a qualified electrician / gas engineer to check that it is safe to turn supplies back on. Don’t touch sources of electricity when you are stood in flood water. Once it has been checked by an engineer, turn on your central heating to aid drying. If supplies are not connected contact: 

• Severn Trent Water by calling 0800 783 4444
• gas emergency services by calling 0800 111 999
• by calling 105 for electric

How do I clean my property?

Firstly, remember that flood water is likely to be contaminated, always wear waterproof gloves and clothing. Ordinary household products can be used to clean your property but check with your insurance company as they may hire a company to do this for you.

You should remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair. Wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water several times until visually clean. Use a domestic disinfectant, following manufacturers directions as to concentrations, to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning.

Food preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators etc should be washed down with food-safe disinfectants such as Milton or Dettol. Allow to dry thoroughly - this will also help to destroy any germs left behind. Heating and good ventilation will assist the drying process.

Bedding and other soft or fabric articles including children's toys should be laundered on a hot wash (60°C and above) which will destroy any germs. Other soft furnishings that have been contaminated and cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned. If this is not possible they may have to be disposed of.

Don't allow children to play in floodwater areas and wash children's hands frequently (always before meals). Wash floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water and disinfectant before allowing them to be used again.

As your property continues to dry out, vacuum any loose material and dust on a regular basis.

What should I do with bulky items and carpets destroyed by floods?

If you have any flood damaged domestic bulky items such as furniture or white goods, please check with your insurance company before disposing of them as it may affect your claim.

You can take domestic items to local household recycling centres.

If you have no means of transporting items to a household waste site, please check with your insurance company to see if they can help, as costs of removal may be possible to be added to your claim. Find out about our bulky waste collection service.

I own a food business. What should I do?

If your food business has been affected by flooding, there may be a serious and imminent risk to health. All food premises affected by flooding must contact us.

What should I do with sandbags after a flood?

Wherever possible please store full bags that have not come into contact with flood water to use again if you need them in the future. The white plastic bags are durable for a period of a year or more if they are kept dry and in a shady place. Where possible used sandbags can also be left to dry out in a shed or greenhouse so that they can be reused again in the future. If the sandbag has split the contents can be added to garden soil.