Preparing for potential flooding
With more rain forecast in the wake of Storm Ciarán, thinking ahead and preparing for what the weather may bring can make a real difference to homes, businesses and communities.
One of the first things to check is whether your property is at risk of flooding. If your home or business is at risk, you can sign up for free flood warnings.
In case of emergencies, we recommend taking precautions and buying sandbags. If sandbags aren’t available, the following can be used:
- Rolled-up mats or carpets
- Bags of garden compost
- Pillowcases filled with soil (don’t overfill them)
- Timber boards (possibly screwed to door frames, sealed with mastic)
What to do during a flood
In an immediate flood emergency or where there's a risk to life, follow the advice of the emergency services or call 999 and follow the safety advice on Somerset Prepared’s Flooding webpage.
If your property has been flooded, report it online or email flooding@somerset.gov.uk. If you need support call 0300 123 2224 and choose option 1 during office hours. Reporting when a property has flooded helps us to look for possible methods to mitigate the risk of it happening again in future.
Flooding and roads
Heavy rain and flooding present a danger to drivers – road users are urged NOT to attempt to drive across flooded roads as it’s impossible to estimate the depth of the water reliably.
It’s vital to prepare for wet conditions. Check @TravelSomerset on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates on roads and wider travel.
Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. If you get caught in a flood, follow Somerset Road Safety’s Adverse weather conditions advice.
For drain and gully problems or any issues on the highway, report it via our road problems webpage.
What to do after a flood
- Assume floodwater has been contaminated with sewage and avoid contact wherever possible. For health advice when dealing with flood affected areas visit the UKHSA’s Flooding guidance and advice webpage.
- For advice on cleaning food preparation areas after a flood, visit the FSA’s Food safety after a flood webpage.
- Before switching your electricity back on, follow Electrical Safety First’s safety advice.
- Contact your insurer if you haven’t already and let them know the situation. They will advise of the next steps to take in restoring homes and belongings.
Looking after your mental health
Heavy rainfall may trigger feelings of anxiety, fear or worry, particularly for those who have been previously affected by flooding. To help reduce any feelings of anxiety:
- Talk to somebody about how you’re feeling, if you don’t feel able to talk to friends or family, call Mindline – Somerset’s emotional support and mental health helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01823 276 892 or 0800 138 1692.
- Try and do activities that help you to feel less stressed like exercising, reading, listening to music or meditating.
- Help neighbours and others in your community and look out for each other.
- Follow your normal routine as much as possible.
- Visit the Every Mind Matters website where you can find lots of tips and exercises to help manage anxiety.
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