The definition of flood: “Any case where land not normally covered by water becomes covered by water”
The best advice for anyone at risk of flooding is to be prepared. Advice can be found at:
https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/flooding-help-and-advice/during-a-flood.
Up to date information regarding flooding can be found at:
Check for flooding in England – GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)
Alternatively, you can call Floodline
Telephone: 0345 988 1188
Textphone: 0345 602 6340
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
It isn’t just homes that are affected by flooding. Flood water can impact your safety as a pedestrian and a driver.
Driving in areas where there is increased water on the road
- Do not travel along roads that have been closed.
- Only drive through water if you know that it’s not too deep.
- Test your brakes as soon as you can afterwards.
- Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as possible after leaving the water.
- If driving through water drive slowly but steadily in a low gear to avoid creating waves or causing your car engine to take in water.
- Double the distance between your car and the car in front of you, as stopping distances are increased by wet roads.
- Do not attempt to drive through fast-moving water – your car could easily be swept away.
** When parking, try to keep your vehicle on higher ground to reduce the risk of damage. **
Walking through flood water
Even if the flood water is just a few inches deep, it can carry mud and silt, and you will not be able to clearly see what lies beneath. The pressure of water in drains can lift and displace manhole covers. In fact, many drain covers are designed to lift if the pressure inside the drain gets too great. Uncovered drains and displaced lids present trip hazards. Flood water is powerful enough to carry large items of debris like rocks, branches and litter. These submerged hazards pose a great risk to your safety.
Road closures
- Flooding may occur long after rainfall has ceased and conditions may change unexpectedly, so remember that there may be a lag between rainfall and peak flood levels.
- Be mindful to look and listen and continually assess the situation as it develops around you.
- Avoid being trapped or cut off if flood waters rise unexpectedly.
- Always consider an exit route and a safe location to retreat to if necessary.
- Do not attempt to enter deep water.
Dangers of Contaminated water
Urban flood water typically carries 20 to 30 different diseases, especially if drains have backwashed and if sewerage is present. In rural areas contamination is more likely to come from agricultural chemicals and animal waste. If you are exposed to flood water, consider the following.
- Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters before and during your duties. Protecting your hands can prevent infection.
- Wash your hands in clean fresh water after contact with flood water.
- Carry an antibacterial hand wash and treat your hands regularly if you come into contact with flood water.
- Seek medical advice immediately if you or anyone else is affected by diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain.
Equipment
After a flood, equipment such as footwear, high visibility clothing and gloves may become contaminated with sewage and pollutants.
- Wash all items thoroughly before they are used again.
- Any items that may have been contaminated should be stored so that contamination cannot spread to other items and should not be used again until they have been thoroughly cleaned.
- Items that have been contaminated and cannot be cleaned to an acceptable standard should be disposed of.
- Contact your local authority for advice on safe and proper disposal.
Electricity and flood water
After flooding, electrical hazards may exist long after the water dissipates. To maintain your safety and that of others remember the following.
- Look out for fallen power lines, and do not enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet unless you are certain the power is off.
- Never assume any part of a flooded electrical installation or appliance is safe.
- If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel.
If you are affected by flooding, look at what financial assistance might be available from the Government or via grant schemes that will be advertised by your local council.