Find organisations who can help during and after a flood.
The Environment Agency
In England and Wales, the Environment Agency is responsible for building, maintaining and operating flood defences and for issuing flood warnings to the public, other flood responding organisations and the media.
The Environment Agency also provides the Floodline 0845 988 1188 service. You can listen to recorded flood warning information for your area or speak to an operator for advice 24 hours a day.
Prepare for flooding by following some simple steps. Sign up for free flood warnings, make a flood plan and find out about ways to reduce the impact of flooding to your home or business.
We do not supply sandbags to individual householders and businesses. You can contact local builders merchants for stocks of bags and sand, or you can find suppliers of modern non-sand bags designed for flooding on the National Flood Forum’s Blue Pages.
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Floodline is also available in Scotland, co-ordinated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Local authorities
- Work with the police, fire and rescue services and the Environment Agency to co-ordinate responses during severe flooding.
- Provide local advice to the public about the incident and what to do.
- Set up rest centres for people evacuated from their homes and arrange temporary shelters or accommodation for those people who have no where else they can go to.
- Deal with road closures and disruption to social services.
- Investigate disruption caused by overflowing drains and sewers.
- If you need help or support to prepare for flooding you could consider contacting your local authority. Many of them keep list of vulnerable people who might need extra support in a flood or emergency situation.
- A few local authorities provide sandbags and other emergency provisions to people immediately at risk, but the majority don’t. You should check with your local authority in advance to find out what their policy is and how you can get access to sandbags before flooding starts.
- GOV.UK : Find your local council
The Police
Co-ordinate the emergency services in a major flood incident and help with evacuation of people from their homes where it is necessary.
The Fire & Rescue Service
- Is primarily responsible for saving life.
- They may also pump out floodwater (Contact your local service to ask about this. There may be a charge for this service).
The Citizens Advice Bureau
- May be able to offer advice on how to obtain money in an emergency and deal with insurance queries.
- Details of your local Bureau can be found in the phone book or on the Citizens Advice Bureau website.
National Flood Forum
Provides advice and support to communities and individuals who have been flooded or are at risk of flooding.
Health Protection Agency
Monitors and advises on public health.
NHS Direct
If you have any health concerns during or after a flood call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice and information.
National Grid
If you smell gas call 0800 111 999 or, if you spot a potential hazard on or near overhead electricity lines, phone 0800 404 090.
