Flooding is one of the UK's biggest risks with approximately 5 million people living or working in areas at risk.
The first call for highway related flooding of properties is the Essex County Council Highways call centre, who may action requests.
The 24 hr Highways number is 0345 603 7631
For further information on the Essex County Council flood responsibilities please see www.essexhighways.org/flooding
Responsibility for protecting homes and businesses lies primarily with owners. Brentwood Borough Council has no statutory obligation to provide flood defences and has a limited responsibility to respond to domestic flooding events. The Council holds a limited supply of resources that can only be distributed to Council owned infrastructure.
Private households are responsible for protecting their own property from flooding. We will look to provide support and guidance to householders at risk of flooding but it is neither technically nor financially possible to provide flood alleviation schemes to residents.
Brentwood Emergency Planning recognises the stress involved with flooding events. However, it is the policy of Brentwood Borough Council not to issue sandbags to the public during a flooding event. It is residents' responsibility to obtain sandbags or flood alleviation products.
Flood alerts
The Environment Agency runs a number of flood schemes to help residents increase their own resilience against flooding, if you think you may be at risk from flooding you can sign up for flood alerts. These are distributed via telephone, email or text message and contain detailed flood risk information for your local area.
To sign up for flood warnings or to find out more information on flood preparedness go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk and follow the links or alternatively you can also sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct by calling Floodline on 0345 988 11 88 or Typetalk 0345 602 6340.
If a flood Alert or warning is released for your area please follow the following advice:
Flood warnings
- Alert neighbours, especially if they are elderly
- Block doors (with flood boards if available) and air vents with plastic sheeting and sandbags
- Move electrical and valuable items to a higher level (check insurance cover)
- Bring pets indoors
- Monitor flood warnings and weather reports
- Prepare to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies - store some drinking water in clean containers
If your house is affected by flooding please use the following advice:
Floodwater is dangerous:
- Check the Environment Agency website or call Floodline for latest information - 0345 988 11 88
- Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over
- Two feet of water can float your car
- Flooding can cause manhole covers to come off, leaving hidden dangers
- Don’t walk or drive through flood water
- Don’t let children play in flood water
- Don’t walk on flood defences or riverbanks
- When water levels are high be aware that bridges may be dangerous to walk or drive over
- Culverts are dangerous when flooded
- Look out for other hazards such as fallen power lines and trees
- Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch floodwater as it may be contaminated