Flooding in East Dorset: be prepared!

The reality of having your home or business flooded is difficult to understand unless you have been through the experience. Being prepared for a flood can reduce the disruption to family life.

East Dorset District Council can help by supplying sandbags to residents in emergencies when property is at risk of flooding. However, residents are advised to make themselves aware of any flood risk to their homes and plan measures to protect their own property.

Sandbags are often relied upon for building temporary flood defences. However, there are limitations in their effectiveness.

If the council receives a request for assistance it aims to deliver filled sandbags to residents who need them. However, residents are encouraged to collect sandbags themselves, especially during more severe weather when the council’s resources become stretched. The council will prioritise requests for assistance, with habitable accommodation taking precedent over the protection to garages, outhouses and gardens.

Should you require emergency assistance with flooding in the East Dorset District Council area, telephone 01202 886201 during office hours or 07775 935018 outside normal office hours.

Further useful information:
The Environment Agencywebsite http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk provides information about areas that are at risk of flooding and about any flood warnings that are in force. You can also obtain information about flood warnings by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

The National Flood Forum, website: www.floodforum.org.uk provides a wealth of information on flooding and lists the numerous flood proofing and preventative products available.

The Met Office website: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/advice/gives advice on weather forecasts and where severe weather warnings are in force.

The following organisations should be contacted concerning flooding from highway drains or public sewers:

Highway drains: Dorset County Council  …. 0800 23 23 23
Public sewers: Wessex Water …. 0845 600 4600