You can prepare for flooding by:

• finding out if you are at risk of flood
• signing up for flood warnings
• following government guidelines on how to protect yourself and your property
• following advice from the National Flood Forum
• reporting any previous flooding

How we prepare for flooding

We have a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to prepare for flooding. We also:

• schedule maintenance such as gully emptying to areas at greater risk of flooding
• work with Wessex Water who are responsible for the public sewer beyond highway drainage
• prioritise our planning and response based on Environment Agency alerts and warnings, and liaise with emergency services
• share the information we gather about local flooding with the Environment Agency and water authorities, to manage flood risks by highlighting areas most likely to flood

We are unable to:

• inspect, clean and prepare every drain, ditch and culvert - there are in excess of 58,000 road gullies
• respond to every flooding incident
• provide sandbags and other flood defence equipment to residents or businesses

Insurance if you live in a flood risk area

Flood Re has been set up to help insurers provide affordable home insurance for people who live in a flood risk area.

If your home meets the Flood Re criteria, then you can contact insurers who are participating in the scheme.