Worthing Borough Council

Flooding

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Emergency Planning Officer - 01903 221025
Office Hours - 01903 239999
Out of Hours Emergencies - 01903 821992

epo@adur-worthing.gov.uk

Only a small proportion of properties in the Worthing area may be at risk from flooding in certain conditions.

Detailed information about:

• Flood maps
• Preparing for a flood
• Flooding knowledge
• During a flood
• After a flood

is available on the Environment Agency’s website.

Other information on flooding, how to protect your home and what to do after the flood is available on the Preparing for Emergencies website.

Do you live or work in an area at risk of flooding?

Almost 900,000 properties are at risk from one or more forms of flooding in the South East.  And climate change is increasing that risk. 

Floods can happen anywhere at anytime, caused by rising ground water levels, burst water drains, hillside run-off from sudden rain as well as flooding from rivers and the sea.

Fortunately, we know which homes and businesses flood from rivers and seas in England and Wales. You can find out if you are at risk of flooding by looking at the Environment Agency's flood maps or by phoning Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

If you find out you are at risk, be warned and be prepared. 

Be warned 

New and improved flood warning codes will come into force from November 2010.  The new codes will be simpler to understand, provide an earlier alert for the possibility of flooding, provide more local information and are clearer on the actions people need to take.   

You may see or hear these on television weather broadcasts, local radio stations, online and through Floodline Warnings Direct.  From November we are also including ‘real-time’ information within our warning messages and on our website.  This information will give you specific information for your area such as the times for when flooding is expected, tide heights, and what locations will be affected.

You can sign up for our FREE Floodline Warnings Direct service.  This provides a flood warning direct to your telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message and fax. 

Be prepared

It is important that you learn how to prepare for and be safe in a flood. It could save your life.  It won't take long to complete and register a Personal Flood Plan.  Download an easy template from www.environment-agency.gov.uk or phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

In March 2011 there is a National Exercise to help local communities develop and test their own community flood plans. 

If you live in a flood zone, you can also prepare for a flood by buying and installing flood products in advance.  Visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk for advice on preparing your property for flooding, or www.bluepages.org.uk for an independent directory of flood products.  Look for the Kitemark to check that a product meets minimum industry standards. The Emergency Planning Officer at your local council will also be able to assist you.  You can contact him on epo@worthing.gov.uk or through the emergency contact numbers published on the council’s website.

The new flood warning codes

	Flooding is possible.  Be prepared.	Issued 2 hours to 2 days in advance of flooding.	Action to take Be prepared for flooding. Prepare a flood kit.
	Flooding is expected.  Immediate action required.	Issued half an hour to 1 day in advance of flooding.	Action to take Act now to protect your property.  Block doors with flood boards or sandbags and cover airbricks and other ventilation holes.  Move family, pets and valuables to a safe place.   Keep a flood kit ready.
	Severe flooding.  Danger to life.	Issued when flooding poses a significant threat to life and different actions are required.	Action to take Be ready should you need to evacuate from your home.  Co-operate with the emergency services and call 999 if you are in immediate danger.

Anyone in a flood risk area needs to be aware and keep an eye on the weather situation at all times.  They can do this by checking the 3-day flood forecasts on our website. 

To find out more or to sign up for free flood warnings please visit: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Floodline on 0845 988 1188

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