Skip to content

Flood preparation and help after a flood

It is important to be prepared for flooding. If the worst happens and you are affected by flooding, the information and advice below can help.

Make sure you stay up to date during a flood by using the contacts listed below.

Read GOV.UK information on planning, managing and recovering from a flood.

Follow the steps below to make sure you are prepared for flooding:

Risk of flooding

Check if you are at risk of flooding using the flood map and flood forecast or call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188. If you're at risk, register online for the Environment Agency's free flood warning service (you can also ring the Floodline number to register)

Preparing for a flood

If flooding happens, it is important to:

Sandbags

Find out how you can purchase sandbags and how your local borough/ district council can help in an emergency.

Mobile homes and caravans

Mobile and temporary buildings can be at particular risk in high winds. Anyone who is living in or using a temporary building or caravan should consider alternatives, such as staying with friends and family or, if you are on a campsite, moving to communal brick buildings on site.

Garden furniture

Garden furniture could be a danger to others. You should make sure everything is secure to minimise risk if high winds are forecast.

Danger areas

During poor weather, there are particular dangers associated with coastal areas and rivers. You should stay away from high or strong waves. Avoid walking or driving through floodwater as there may be underwater dangers.

Power lines

Do not assume that power lines on the ground or hanging low are dead as they may remain live or could become live. Report low and grounded power cables to UK Power Networks and do not approach within 5m of low or grounded power cables.

If you have been affected by flooding make sure you continue to stay up to date. We will let you know when it is safe to return to your property.

Check falling river levels via Floodline and the Environment Agency.

Insurance

  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their advice.
  • If you can get in to your property, take photographs for evidence.

Electricity and gas

  • Have your electricity supply checked before switching back on.
  • Have your gas or oil central heating checked by a qualified person.
  • For power outages or downed power lines visit UK Power Networks or call 0800 783 8866 / 01243 508 866.

Health and Safety

Help after a flood

If you have alerted us to a flood, we would like to hear from you.

Complete our online survey to let us know how we dealt with the report. For those who require a paper survey to complete, please email flood@kent.gov.uk.

Weather reports

For weather forecasts, warnings and advice, visit the Met Office website, call 0870 900 0100 or 01392 885 680.

For flood alerts, warnings and advice, visit the Environment Agency website, call 0845 988 1188 or Type talk 0845 602 6340.

Social media

Useful X accounts:

Road travel

For flooding on the highway or travel disruption, contact:

Fallen/damaged trees – if on the public road, please contact the National Highways , if on private land then Kent Trading Standards can provide details of reputable traders.

If there is a danger to life then ring 999 - Kent Fire and Rescue.

Train travel

Bus travel

Visit the Traveline website or call 0871 200 2233. Alternatively, contact your local bus operator.

Channel crossings

Sustainable drainage

Find out how the use of sustainable drainage (SUDs) can help in the removal of excess water.

The video was created by susdrain.

Sustainable drainage - video transcript