While conditions are improving and weather forecasts predict no significant rainfall in the immediate future, plans are being put in place by the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum to monitor at risk areas and provide support to affected residents.
Reporting a flood
If your home has been affected by flooding, you should report it using the following channels:
- For internal flooding (inside a property), please use the Lincolnshire County Council’s dedicated 24-hour flood reporting line on 01522 782082.
- For external flooding, please report on Fix My Street.
- If you are an SKDC tenant, please call 01476 406080 or, outside of normal working hours, call 01476 406040.
In an emergency, always call 999.
What to do during a flood
The following information provided by GOV.UK advised what you should do in a flood and what each of the flood warnings mean: What to do in a flood - GOV UK.
To prepare for a flood, you should put together a bag of essential items including a torch (with spare batteries), mobile phone (and charger), warm clothes, important numbers (including home insurance documentation), water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and baby care items you may need.
You should also continue to check flood warnings online at Check for flooding - GOV.UK.
If a flood is likely in your area (Flood Warning), you should:
- Turn off gas, water and electricity supplies in your home
- Move valuable items upstairs or to safety on high shelves
- Move family, pets and cars to safety
- Utilise any flood protection measures you may have, such as sand bags or air brick covers
If your home begins to flood, you should:
- Follow advice from the local emergency services which will be distributed through SKDC channels and the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum
- Alert your neighbours and nearby relatives and offer help if it is safe to do so
- Avoid driving through flood water
- Keep your family and pets away from flood water - it may contain heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals
- Avoid coming into contact with any flood water or items contaminated by flood water. If you do, wash your hands as it which may contain toxic substances
- Keep cuts and grazes clean and covered with waterproof plasters
If you are in immediate, life-threatening danger always call 999.
What to do after a flood
You should continue to monitor the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum website and social media channels for the most up to date guidance and advice.
If your property has flood damage take photographs of any damage (if it is safe to do so) to provide to your insurance company.
Before you attempt to switch any of your utilities back on, you should:
- Get your electric meter checked by the electricity transmission company
- Get your fuse box and electrical sockets checked by an electrician
- Check with Anglian Water that it is now safe to drink tap water. If in doubt, boil water first or use bottled water.
- Check with a Gas Safe Engineer before you use gas appliances.
You should also be aware of the potential health risks. When cleaning up, wear appropriate clothing and protection as flood water can be contaminated with harmful bacteria.
You should dispose of any food items (including tins) that have come into contact with flood water.
Find out more by visiting: Flooding and health: public advice - GOV.UK.
For more advice on safely returning to your home, go to What to do after a flood - GOV.UK.