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Home Page > Environment and Planning > Flooding > Threat of Flooding
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If you think you are at threat from flooding…

 

Threat to Property from Flooding

 

Flooding or imminent threat of flooding to property is considered to be an emergency. Melton Borough Council has procedures in place to provide aid, subject to resources, during such a flooding emergency. In the event of such an emergency, the council can be contacted on its usual daytime number of 01664 502502. Outside of these hours an emergency standby service operates, which can be contacted on 01664 481000.

 

Threat to life from flooding

 

If there is imminent danger to life as a result of flooding, please contact the appropriate emergency service by dialling 999. If you require emergency evacuation please contact the emergency services on 999. Please also see the Emergency Advice section of this website.

 

Emergency Advice

 

We advise you to listen out for severe weather warnings on the radio and television, and, if necessary, phone the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information.

 

If it is safe to do so, you should also do the following:

  • Alert your neighbours, particularly the elderly or vulnerable;
  • Protect doorways and low level air vents with sand bags or plastic bags filled with earth, but make sure your property is still well ventilated;
  • Plug your sinks and/or bathtubs and put a sandbag in the toilet bowl to prevent any possible back flow;
  • Be ready to turn off your electricity and gas supplies, unplug any electrical items and move them upstairs or out of reach of the floodwaters, if possible;
  • Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other items to safety, if possible;
  • Move as much as you can above floor level to minimize flood damage;
  • Co-operate with the emergency services and the Council - you may have to be evacuated to a rest centre;
  • Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.

The Council can provide sandbags, available for collection, subject to stock. Please contact the Customer Services if you would like to arrange to collect some sandbags.

 

Staying Safe in a Flood

  • Floods can kill. Do not try to walk or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast flowing water can knock a person over and just two feet of water can float your car. Also, manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards in the floodwater which you cannot see.
  • Never try to swim through fast flowing water, you may get swept away or be struck by an object in the water.
  • Do not walk on riverbanks or cross river bridges if possible, as they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by fast flowing water.
  • Beware of stones and pebbles being thrown up by waves.
  • Avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be contaminated with sewage. If you touch floodwater or goods that have been contaminated with floodwater, make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands.

Further Information

 

For more information regarding staying safe in a flood, please click on the link below:

 

Link to the Environment Agency's Website (During a Flood Page)

 

Be Prepared

 

Emergency Kit

 

Keep an emergency kit in an easily accessible place, above ground level.

 

The following items may be of use in an emergency kit:

  • A battery powered torch;
  • A battery powered or wind up radio so that you can tune into the local radio station for information or advice;
  • A supply of spare batteries;
  • Warm, dry clothing or blankets;
  • A first aid kit;
  • An up to date list of useful telephone numbers (GPs, utility companies, insurance companies, the Council etc.);
  • A small supply of ready to eat food that does not require preparation or cooking;
  • A small supply of fresh bottled water in case of a disruption to the water supply.

Car Kit

 

It is also useful to have an emergency car kit in your car at all times.

 

The following items may be of use in an emergency car kit:

  • A battery powered torch and spare batteries;
  • A suitable container for fuel;
  • An up to date roadmap;
  • Warm, dry blanket;
  • A flask;
  • A small shovel;
  • A first aid kit;
  • Normal vehicle tools and spares.

Other Measures

  • Ensure that your landline telephone will work in the event of a power cut, i.e. that it is not reliant on electricity;
  • Do not rely solely on a mobile phone as networks may become overloaded, and/or the battery may need recharging;
  • Keep medication and prescriptions in a safe and easily accessible place, in case you are asked to evacuate (remember to take them with you!);
  • Identify any special needs that anyone in your home or premises may have (the elderly, young children, those on medication or those with disabilities);
  • Familiarise yourself with the procedures for switching off gas, electricity and water supplies to your home or premises;
  • Make sure you have adequate insurance.
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