The Environment Agency provides a Free Flood Warning Service for at flood risk residents. You can check to see if your property is at flood risk by either ringing the Environment Agency’s Floodline number on 0345 988 1188 or by following this link https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings. The Flood Warning Service is split into three levels, a Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Severe Flood Warning and here is what they mean:

 

Click on any poster to view a larger version or to download a copy. 

Please see the information below which helps explains the Environment Agency’s recommendations for being better prepared for flooding. You can also watch this short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxnjq9cq4yA.

We have a small team of flood wardens. The flood wardens will liaise with the flood control room managed by the Environment Agency and direct emergency services as necessary during a flood event. They are not responsible for helping you protect your own property or loved ones.

Important Water Safety Messages
Drowning – It only takes 6 inches/15cm of fast flowing water to sweep an adult off their feet! Please avoid walking through flood water
Submerged Hazards – Always ensure you can see the surface of the ground you are walking on as submerged hazards such as steps, curbs, loose drainage covers, mud and silt may cause you to lose your footing.
Do Not Drive Through Flood Water – This accounts for one third of all flood related deaths. I takes 2 feet/60cm to flat a car. It only takes an egg cup full of water to wreck an engine.
Contaminated Water – Flood Water is contaminated. To better protect yourself do the following:

• Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters to avoid infection.
• Wash your hands in clean water or carry antibacterial hand wash to treat your hands
• Wear protective clothing such as waterproof gloves or waders.
• Seek medical advice immediately if you or anyone else is affected by diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain.

Emergency Exit Routes – Flood water can continue to rise long after rainfall has ceased. Always consider an exit route and safe location to retreat to if necessary.

Electricity and Gas – After flood water recedes, electrical hazards may exist, do not turn on the power until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Also, flood water can damage the controls of gas appliances and safety features can become blocked, even if the gas controls appear to operate properly. Do not continue to use until inspected by a qualified gas engineer.

You can monitor the river levels of the River Wharfe and Collingham Beck on the Gov.uk website.  You can do this by clicking on the following link https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels or simply by typing ’river levels online’ in your search engine and clicking on the Gov.uk link.  

Useful Links

YorkshireFloodResilience@environment-agency.gov.uk

https://www.communitiesprepared.org.uk/

https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings

https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/limiting-flood-risk-and-damage/