 Flood Action Week
This week is flood action week and there’s never been a better time to stop and think – would you be prepared should flooding hit your community?
Extreme weather is fast becoming the ‘new normal’ in the UK, bringing more frequent and severe events. Even after dry spells, millions of properties remain at risk of flooding.
The good news? Communities, homes, and businesses across Nottinghamshire are steadily building resilience and becoming better prepared. But there’s always room for improvement.
Find out how we’re working to reduce flood risk across the county and how you can take steps to protect yourself—giving you peace of mind whatever the weather.
New drainage technology and expanded fleet
Via has enhanced its fleet with a cutting-edge CCTV drainage investigation van. This vehicle features advanced crawler cameras capable of travelling long distances through culverts, transmitting live images directly to screens within the van. This technology enables crews to swiftly identify and address defects or blockages, ensuring a more efficient response to drainage issues.
Alongside this, a £500,000 investment in new tankers means that seven vehicles are now dedicated to cleaning all 140,000 gullies across Nottinghamshire every two years.
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Investing in nature to tackle flooding across Nottinghamshire
Communities across Nottinghamshire are seeing the benefits of Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes, designed to reduce flood risk while enhancing local biodiversity.
Costock, Rushcliffe
Costock now benefits from a £25,000 NFM scheme funded by Nottinghamshire County Council following the severe flooding caused by Storm Henk in January 2024 . The initiative features three earth bunds, two swales, and an attenuation pond that work together to slow and store excess water—reducing flood peaks, improving soil quality, and creating habitats for wildlife.
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Boundary Brook, Broxtowe.
This has seen a £130,000 project delivered upstream of Trowell. Delivered in partnership with local councils, EMEC Ecology and community groups, the scheme includes new wetlands and ponds, a re-meandered brook, a regraded floodplain, and leaky barriers—all designed to slow water flow, reduce downstream flood risk, and support wildlife. Ongoing monitoring will help secure long-term benefits.
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Ompton and Oxton, Newark and Sherwood
In response to the October 2023 floods, Ompton’s £133,000 project has delivered ponds, leaky barriers, bunds, and reshaped streams, with a large wetland area planned for Autumn 2025. In Oxton, nearly 50 natural flood features have been introduced through a £98,000 investment, effectively managing runoff and heavy downpours.
Together, these natural solutions are helping Nottinghamshire build stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities in the face of a changing climate.
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Know your flood types and emergency contacts
Floods can be devastating—knowing who to contact is essential:
- River flooding: call the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline: 0800 80 70 60
- Flooded roads: contact Nottinghamshire County Council: 0300 500 8080 or report online
- Rising groundwater: visit the council’s website for advice
- Sewer flooding: contact Severn Trent Water 0800 783 4444 or Anglian Water 03457 145 145 depending on where in Notts you live.
- Streams and small watercourses: managed by riparian owners—more info available on the council’s website
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Prepare your personal flood plan
Being prepared in a flood can make all the difference. These simple steps can help you respond quickly and recover more easily.
- Emergency contacts: gather details for insurers, utilities, doctors, vets, and close relatives
- Insurance: make sure your home, contents, and vehicle are covered for flood damage
- Important documents: store passports, birth certificates, and medical cards in a waterproof container
- Essentials: keep a torch, spare batteries, phone charger, medicines, and pet carrier ready.
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Sign up for flood warnings
As we head into winter, don't forget to sign up for flood warnings from the Environment Agency. You’ll be alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected. You can use it whether you're a household or business. Early warnings can make an enormous difference, giving you time to take action and prepare.
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Become a Flood Signage Warden
Be a local hero! The Community Flood Signage Scheme (CFSS) empowers trained volunteers to help safeguard their communities during floods.
As a Flood Signage Warden, you’ll:
- Prevent vehicles from driving through flood water
- Safely close roads prone to flooding
- Help your community become more flood resilient
- Work with others to protect the most vulnerable
No special skills needed—just attend a one-day training session and a refresher every three years.
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