Flooding

Prepare now, not when it starts raining

Flash flooding can occur almost anywhere in the county following heavy rainfall. We're asking people to prepare themselves in case we have heavy rain or snow this winter. Taking a few simple steps now can prevent your home being flooded and help protect your family.

Sign up for flood warnings

This is a simple task, and you can choose how you receive warnings - on your phone or by email. All you need to do is visit the Environment Agency’s website and provide your name, the address you want alerts for, and relevant contact details.

Have adequate and appropriate insurance

Check that you have new for old insurance cover and that your items are correctly valued.

If there is a flood warning

Move valuable items and documents upstairs and turn off all utilities (unless you have a pumped flood system). If your property is in imminent danger of being flooded deploy your flood defences or make temporary sandbags by filling compost bags or similar bags to divert the water from the entrance points into your home. You can also use plastic carrier bags filled with driveway gravel or plastic sheeting weighed down with bricks.

Bedfordshire Local Authorities do not normally supply sandbags to householders whose properties are flooded or are in danger of being flooded. Government advice is that householders should make their own preparations for protecting their property from flooding. There are a considerable range of modern flood protection products available to purchase and many can be found on the National Flood Forum's Blue Pages Directory.

Local radio stations will provide up to date information and weather updates. Avoid contact with flood water if possible and if you do make contact wash your hands regularly. You should stay in your home unless told by the emergency services to leave, if we tell you to evacuate then do so. 

Do not attempt to drive, cycle or walk through flood water - it can be deeper than it looks. Please adhere to road closures.

Who to contact

Who to contact if there is a flood in your area:

If there is a flood which is posing a danger to life or injury, contact The Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

If there is a flood caused by a main river or reservoir, contact The Environment Agency (0800 80 70 60).

If there is a flood caused by a sewer, a leak from a water main, or a household storm water drain contact your water company:

• Anglian Water (0345 7145 145)
• Thames Water (0800 316 9800) 
• Affinity Water (0345 357 2407)

If there is a road affected by a flood, your local council are usually responsible for flooding caused by a blockage in the roadside drainage.