Floods

Flooding - it's your responsibility!

There are 1.3 million properties at risk of flooding in England and Wales. One of them could be yours. The better prepared you are, the better you'll cope with the effects of flooding. Do what you can now to prepare for a flood. Don't leave it until the flood has started. You may not have enough time.

If your home is flooded:

• Contact your landlord and insurance company
• If you think you've been flooded by sewage you must evacuate that area, move upstairs or stay with friends and relatives, and notify Environmental Protection Division and Thames Water (opens new window)
• If you home is uninhabitable your landlord or insurance company should help you to find somewhere else to stay
• The Council may be able to help you if you have nowhere else to stay
• This Council does not provide sandbags to protect properties from flooding. Protecting your property from flooding is a landlord or homeowner responsibility  

If you are a Hammersmith & Fulham resident there are three types of flooding you may be at risk from:

Flash flooding
This usually happens because of thunder storms. It causes water to run off roofs and surrounding areas which can flood through your door or collect in your basement.  High levels of rain can also cause sewers to overflow. Why do sewers flood (opens new window)? You are more likely to be affected if you live in a basement flat.

Flooding from the Thames
There are only a few properties likely to flood from the Thames since the Thames Barrier (opens new window) was built.

Flooding from burst water mains
This can happen anywhere at any time with no prior warning. This makes it difficult to prepare for.

Flood warnings:

Flood warnings let you know when a flood is about to happen.  They are not meant to cause a panic, and will, wherever possible, be given in enough time before a flood to help you prepare for it. Listen out on TV and radio or phone floodline on 0845 988 1188.

River flood warnings usually come from the Environment Agency (opens new window).

Flash flood warnings are issued from the Met Office (opens new window).

Other sources of advice:

» BBC Weather Centre (opens new window)

» Department for Work and Pensions: Social Fund Crisis Loans (opens new window)
Give grants to people on benefit to help with short term needs like replacing or repairing essential furniture or clothing lost or damaged in the flooding.

» Association of British Insurers on flooding (opens new window)

» UpMyStreet.com (opens new window)
A directory of information about your area, accessed by post code.

» CIRIA (the Building Research Establishment) (opens new window)
Repair and restoration of buildings following floods.

» Download a Flood Risk area map (pdf)

» DirectGov (opens new window)
Check the risk of flooding in your area.