Council offers guidance on flood preparedness to residents and businesses following recent flood event

With flood incidents rising in the county, Shropshire Council is urging residents to prepare for floods to reduce risks.

Flooding can severely and lastingly affect lives. Despite five million homes and businesses in England being at risk, many remain unaware and unprepared.

Actions you can take to prepare if you live in an area at risk of flooding

• Sign up to receive flood warningsby phone, text or email. If you have a disability or need extra help you can contact Floodline and ask for flood warnings to be sent to a friend or relative on your behalf (telephone: 0345 988 1188, textphone: 0345 602 6340).
• Make a personal flood planfor you and those around you.
• If you own a riverside or canalside property, there might be additional things you need to do. Read guidance on the rights and responsibilities of owning a riverside propertyand contact the Canal and River Trust to find out more.C
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water. These are in different places in different properties but you’ll usually find your water stop tap inside your home where your water supply comes in (or outside near to your property’s boundary under a cover), your gas shut-off valve next to your gas meter, and your mains electricity cut off on your fuse board with a big on and off switch.
• Get insurance: you can find guidance from the Environment Agency by visiting Prepare for flooding.

Actions you can take if you are about to be flooded or during a flood

You can check for flooding in the next 5 days. If your area has a flood warning (when flooding is expected) or severe flood warning (when there’s a danger to life):

• Turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it’s safe to do so – do not touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.
• Move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground.
• If you have them, use flood protection products, for example flood barriers, sand bags or air brick covers.
• Always follow advice from emergency services and your local council if you are asked to evacuate.
• Never walk through flood water. Flood water may contain sewage and hide rubbish, wreckage, uneven roads and pavements or broken drain and manhole covers.

Actions you can take after a flood

• Water levels may rise and fall for several weeks depending on drainage and any further rainfall. Do not enter flood water.
• Wash your hands regularly, this is the most important way of removing harmful bugs and any chemicals found in flood water. Further health advice in relation to flooding can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flooding-and-health-public-advice
• If you are insured then check the policy, Insurers may pay costs for temporary accommodation and clean up.
• Find out more about Flood RE, a scheme designed to help people who have experienced a flood find more affordable insurance.

More information on how to prepare before, during and after a flood can be found on the government website at: Flooding – Prepare

Flood advice from the National Flood Forum

National Flood Forum

Shropshire Council has partnered with the National Flood Forum (NFF) who support communities across Shropshire who are recovering from flooding. NFF can help with advice on dealing with insurance companies or reinstating properties.

Start your own or join your local flood action group

The NFF can advise and support communities in flood risk areas to develop their own flood action group.  A flood action group is made up of a core of local people who act as a representative voice for their wider community and NFF can provide the tools to ensure their success and sustainability. The NFF also supports the group to work in partnership with the all the right professionals that are needed.

Support available for those affected by floods

The National Flood Forum can be contacted via their website nationalfloodforum.org.uk/ or call their helpline on 01299 403055.

Councillor Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader of Shropshire Council and Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport said:

“We know that flooding has had a devastating effect on people and businesses across the county, and it is essential that our communities have the advice and support they need to recover and get back to normal.

“By preparing before a flood, and knowing what to do when it happens, can reduce these significant impacts. I would strongly encourage communities and businesses to take heed of the advice available so they are as prepared as they can be for any future floods.”

FAQs on highway drainage and vehicle users during a flood

The following FAQ’s provide information on drainage, how the council prioritises responding to flood incidents and advice to vehicle users during a flood.

What are highway drainage systems designed for?

Highway drainage systems are designed to drain the hardstanding area of the highway only. They have limited capacity and will not be able to deal with additional runoff from the land during storm events.

Why do highway drains sometimes fail to prevent flooding?

Although it is important that the highway drainage network is well maintained, during an intense rainfall event, any runoff from the catchment that exceeds the capacity of the highway drains will result in localized temporary flooding. Most highway drains are 150mm (6”) in diameter and will outfall to the nearest watercourse. If this watercourse is full and flooding the land, the highway drain will not be able to discharge until water levels drop.

How does Shropshire Council prioritise responses during a flood event?

During a county-wide flood event, Shropshire Council’s teams will be fully committed across the network. Council resources are limited, and we can’t respond to every highway flood, particularly on minor roads. As a result, not all floods on the highway will be signed.

What should the public do during a flood event?

During a flood event, the public should exercise common sense and drive to the conditions. Although some minor floods may appear passable, drivers should not drive through deep flood water, particularly where properties near the highway are at risk. Cars passing through floodwater can cause a bow wave, worsening the risk of internal property flooding.

Will highway floods drain away eventually?

The majority of highway floods during a storm are temporary. Once the rain stops, water will slowly drain away onto adjacent land or recede as the highway drains begin to deal with the flood.

What should drivers consider during a flood event?

During a flood event, drivers should consider if their journey is necessary, and delay or avoid travelling if possible.

How does Shropshire Council handle the cleaning of roads affected by flooding?

Shropshire Council will endeavour to cleanse sections of the highway that have been impacted by flooding, but we will be unable to attend every location. Prioritisation will be given to A and B roads, meaning some minor roads may not be cleared until resources become available.

How can highway flooding be reported?

Flooding on roads can be reported to Shropshire Council via the Fix My Street app, the Council website, or by calling 0345 678 9006. If there is an emergency or a risk to life, please dial 999.

Councillor Nellins continued:

“Highway drainage systems are designed to handle the runoff from the roads, yet during intense rainfall, their capacity can be overwhelmed, leading to temporary flooding.

“Our priority during such events is to protect properties from internal flooding, which can be exacerbated by vehicles creating bow waves in floodwater.

“Additionally, Shropshire Council must prioritise its resources, in particularly in these challenging times, focusing first on A and B roads, hence some minor roads may not be cleared until resources become available.

“We strongly advise that drivers should exercise caution, avoid deep water, and consider the necessity of their journey.”

Further information on flooding and drainage can be found at Drainage and flooding | Shropshire Council