Emergency flooding

The Environment Agency operates a flood warning system, providing information to the public, media, emergency services and local authorities.

If flooding is forecast, warnings are issued using a set of four codes: These are as follows:

• Flood Watch - flooding possible. Be aware! Be prepared!
• Flood Warning - flooding expected affecting homes, businesses and main roads
• Severe Flood Warning - Severe flooding expected. Imminent danger to life and property
• All Clear - An all clear will be issued when flood watches or warnings are no longer in force.

When there is a risk of flooding the Agency issues warnings through the media. these are broadcast on TV weather bulletins and on radio weather and travel reports. Make sure you listen out for your local radio station.

The Environment Agency provides the Floodline Service - Telephone Number 0845 988 1188. You can listen to recorded flood warning information or speak to an operator for general information and advice 24 hours a day.

What does the council do?

The council’s duty is as follows:

• The council has no legal responsibility to provide assistance to residents during times of flood, however the council has provided emergency assistance on an ad hoc basis dependent upon local knowledge and experience of the situation
• Council contractors will keep a stock of filled sandbags, which can be collected by residents. It will be the responsibility of the property owner/occupier to dispose of the sandbags once they are satisfied the risk of flooding has subsided
• The council will provide general engineering advice on ways in which residents can alleviate the risk of flooding to their properties
• The council will provide, if possible, during times of severe flooding, engineering advice on site to assist with the use of resources and control the situation where appropriate
• The council will assist with the dissemination of Environment Agency flood warnings where appropriate
• Very serious flooding resulting in the need for evacuation of houses, provision of temporary accommodation and the like is included in the Council's Civil Emergency Plan.

For more information on the current flooding situation, visit the Environment Agency website.

Useful leaflets from the Environment Agency

• Advice on what to do if a flood is anticipated (Pdf 415k)
• What to do during a flood (Pdf 325k)
• Advice on dealing with the aftermath of a flood (Pdf 240k)

The London Flood Strategic Plan

Related links

London Borough of Tower Hamlets Civil Protection - Flood Guidance 2007 (pdf 43k)

For further information contact:

E-mail: emergency.planning@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 4181 (office hours only)
Fax: 020 7364 4181 (office hours only)
Out of office hours: Contact the Tower Hamlets Council call-centre: Tel: 0207 364 7000.

Pid No: 793