Flood Resilience advice

For advice and guidance on how to make yourself and your property more resilient to potential flooding events, please see the advice below or email engagement_northeast@environment-agency.gov.uk.

1. Where can local river levels be viewed online?

Flood river levels can be viewed online by scanning the QR code or visiting - Find river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk)

2. How do I sign up to the Flood Warning Service?

You can sign up to receive free Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings and find out further information by visiting; www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or by contacting your local EA Flood Resilience Engagement Officer by emailing - engagement_northeast@environment-agency.gov.uk

3. What do the Flood Warning Service levels mean?

A flood alert means flooding is possible and you should prepare now. The Environment Agency usually issues a flood alert between 2 and 12 hours before flooding. When a flood alert is in force farmland, recreational land, footpaths, car parks and minor roads can all be at risk of flooding. A flood alert will not be issued between the hours of 9pm and 7am (unless necessary) and may therefore be issued in advance if the impact is later in the evening.

A flood warning means that flooding is expected, and you should act now. The Environment Agency usually issues a flood warning 30 minutes to 2 hours before flooding. When a flood warning is in force, homes and businesses, railways and roads, camping and caravan sites and floodplains can all be at risk of flooding.

A severe flood warning means that flooding could cause a significant risk to life and disruption to communities, and you must act now. The Environment Agency issues a severe flood warning when flooding threatens life and communities. When a severe flood warning is in force, infrastructure and buildings may be at risk of damage and evacuation of communities may occur.

4. Where do I find help with flood insurance?

'Flood Re' is a joint initiative between the Government and insurers. Its aim is to make the flood cover part of household insurance policies more affordable. Visit - www.floodre.co.uk for more information.