Floods and water

Flooding is one of our highest priority risks.

While the risk of floods isn't as high in Rutland as it is in other areas, it's important we all know how to react to severe weather conditions.

Find out if your home is at risk of being flooded

You can use the Environment Agency flood map to see if your home's at risk of flooding.

You can also check the flooding forecast.

If you're worried about flooding in your area, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or sign up for automatic flood alerts.

Actions you can take

Before flooding:

• find out if you're at risk of flooding
• check the flooding forecast
• pack an overnight bag in case you're evacuated
• protect doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or plastic bags filled with sand or earth - remember to unblock these before you use gas or ventilating equipment
• check on your neighbours, especially if they're ill, elderly or disabled - make sure the emergency services or flood warden are aware
• find out more about how to prepare and protect your home on Blue Pages

During flooding:

• keep calm. If you're in danger, call 999 and attract attention from nearby people
• turn of water, gas and electricity supplies at the first sign of your home being flooded
• if you're trapped, stay near a window where you can be seen
• if the emergency services are there, follow their instructions
• be prepared - you may need to evacuate
• do not enter flood waters - depth can be deceiving. Just six inches (15mm) of flood water can knock an adult of their feet. Also, the water could be contaminated with sewage, or there may be hidden dangers
• move you family, pets and valuables upstairs or to higher ground

After flooding:

• contact your insurer
• do not switch on gas or electricity until its been checked by a professional
• do not eat food that's been in contact with flood water
• always wear waterproof gloves to handle soiled items and wash your hands if you touch anything soiled by flood water
• thoroughly clean and disinfect anything soiled by flood water
• assume flood water contains sewage

Our role during floods

We do not have a legal responsibility to provide assistance during floods - but we do provide emergency assistance, depending on local knowledge and experience of the situation.

During a flood, we go on call outs to help the emergency services, close roads and deal with flooding on carriage ways.

We offer engineering advice on how to lessen the risk of your property flooding, and general guidance on flooding responses and responsibilities under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

For advice or to contact us about a flooding incident, email: highways@rutland.gov.uk 

Sandbags

If you know your home's at risk of flooding, we advise you to get sandbags or flood defence equipment to prepare before flooding happens.

We do not provide sandbags for residents - you will need to buy these from a DIY store or builders' merchant.

We are only able to issue sandbags to protect critical infrastructure and support emergency services.

Driving through flood waters

Driving through flood waters can be extremely dangerous - it's impossible to see how deep the water is and if there's any submerged hazards that could damage your car or leave you stranded.

If you ignore road closure signs, you will be prosecuted by the police if caught.