Flooding

Advice and information in the event of flooding.

Flood warnings for rivers and their tributories are issued by the Environment Agency in advance of expected flooding. These warnings are made public through news channels on the radio and TV.

Environment Agency current flooding situation website

Before an Emergency

To find out if your home is at risk of river flooding call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. But remember even if your home is not in a flood risk area, it could be at risk of surface water flooding.

This usually happens when drainage systems are unable to cope with heavy spells of rainfall. Rainwater is unable to drain away and quickly builds up, causing flooding in unexpected places and with no warning.

If you home is at risk of river flooding, sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood warning system - telephone 0845 988 1188.

Take appropriate precautions to protect your home from flooding such as keeping a stock of sandbags or storing temporary flood boards. Remember that it is your responsibility to protect your home from flooding. The Council is under no obligation to provide sandbags, however depending on the severity of the flood risk and the demands placed upon the Council, we may be able to assist the vulnerable and those households facing the severest risk.

For more information about protecting your property the National Flood Forum Blue Pages Directory displays a range of products available that could help you protect your home from flooding. (Note - Epping Forest District Council does not endorse any of these products)

National Flood Forum website

Plan an escape route for use in the event water enters your property.

Check that vulnerable neighbours are prepared.

Environment Agency preparing for flood website

During an Emergency

Listen to and act on the advice of the emergency services.

If you can, move valuables and furniture upstairs.

Raise downstairs furniture off the floor and rest on blocks.

Defend doors and low-level air vents with sandbags or other barrier equipment.

Fill jugs and saucepans with clean water.

Move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape.

Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when floodwater is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in floodwater.

Keep listening to local radio for updates.

For the latest flood warnings in place telephone the Environment Agency on 0845 988 1188.

Once answered press “1” on your telephone key pad, then dial one of the following quickdial numbers for rivers and brooks in Epping Forest District.
• For Cripsey Brook - Epping to Chipping Ongar dial 011323
• For Lower River Lee - Hoddesdon to Canning Town dial 0112211
• For Middle River Lee - Hertford to Hoddesdon dial 0112211
• For River Stort - Sawbridgeworth to Hoddesdon dial 011322
• For Cobbins Brook - Epping to Waltham Abbey dial 011321
• For Nazeing Brook - Waltham Abbey to Broxbourne dial 011321

Floodwater can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.

Remember that floodwater is dangerous - it is likely to be contaminated and a depth of 15cm can knock you off your feet. Avoid walking or driving in floodwater, keep children away from it and wash your hands thoroughly if you touch it.

Environment Agency situation update website