Local Flooding

Flooding In your Area

It is impossible to stop all flooding, but this web page aims to help you prepare for such an event, and deal with the immediate effects of flooding.

Have floods damaged your property, or are you worried that you may be in the future?

Do you ask the question - "Why does my home get affected?"

Flooding occurs for many reasons:

• Prolonged heavy rainfall affecting river levels.
• High tides overtopping riverbanks and defences.
• Blocked culverts.
• Backing up of drains.

Precautions You Can Take

If your area is prone to flooding, there are some steps you can take in advance to ensure your family's safety:

                  1. Check that you have adequate insurance to cover potential damage both inside and outside your property (e.g. Sheds, gardens, garages).

• Report any serious drainage problems to the Council e.g. blockages in ditches or culverts, or standing water not draining away normally.
• Consider keeping a stock of sandbags. Although the Council only issues them in an emergency, you may choose to retain your own supply of sandbags.
• Ensure that valuable items, including documents and photographs, can be moved to a safe place above any floodwater.
• Learn how and where to turn off your water, gas and electricity supplies.
• Consider moving your electrical supply source and sockets to a higher level above the floor.
• Keep an Emergency Pack of essential items in a cupboard: torch, candles, battery radio, canned food and drink, can opener, blankets, Fresh Water.

2. While waiting for the resources of the Council and emergencies to arrive, you can:

• Alert your neighbours.
• Fill plastic bags with earth as temporary sandbags.
• Consider creating barriers at external doorways with surplus bricks, timber etc.
• If possible dig channels away from your property (but not towards your neighbours).

Coping after The Flood

• Please respond to instructions given, as the Police are only concerned for your safety.
• The Police may ask you to go to a Leisure or Community Centre where you can stay temporarily; and whether further advice will be available from Council staff.
• Check whether your insurance policy covers the cost of you staying in temporary accommodation.
• Should you choose to go elsewhere, please tell the Police so you can be accounted for.
• Remember to take any short-term needs - medication, special foods, warm clothing, toiletries.
• Lock up your home before you leave.

Restoring Your Property

Ask the Environment Agency for advice and for their booklet which provides practical "After a Flood" advice.

Sources Of Advice

Safeguards

The Environment Agency is the lead organisation on flood defence. In particular it has responsibility for main rivers and coastal systems, but can also direct and supervise local authorities and inland drainage boards where they are responsible for flood defences.

Monmouthshire County Council relies on a number of activities carried out by the Environment Agency to ensure that we are adequately warned of problems ahead.

Support To The Community

Before Flooding, the Council -

• Prepares for potential flooding through planning, training and exercise.
• Ensures that a 24 hour response system is in place.
• Monitors vulnerable locations.
• Consults with the community in key flooding prone areas.

During Flooding, the Council -

• Liaises with all agencies/organisations concerned.
• Activates a large workforce to respond to the needs of the community.
• Issues sandbags.
• Advises on practical/hygiene and safety issues relating to properties.
• Offers temporary accommodation to families affected by flooding.

After Flooding, the Council -

• Offers advice on clean-up.
• Helps the community recover.
• Clears the highways and affected public land
• Provides facilities for removal of damaged household property.
  

When You Home Is Flooded Don't worry if you cannot cope

Do ...!

• Stay calm.
• Assume that the floodwater is contaminated until told otherwise.
• Find your insurance details.
• Check that neighbours know about any flooding, especially if they are elderly or infirm.
• Move people, animals and your vehicles to a place of safety, and provide a litter tray for pets.
• Move furniture and valuables to a safe place.
• Keep up to date by listening to your local radio station for news bulletins.
• Find your Emergency Pack, waterproofs, wellies and keep them with you.
• Switch off electricity, gas and water until it has been checked.
• Co-operate with the Emergency Services.
  

Don't ...!

• Throw rubbish into watercourses as it may create blockages.
• Switch on electrical appliances or circuits that have been affected by water until they have been checked.
• Try to use gas appliances until they have been checked.
• Eat any food that has come into contact with the floodwater.