Introduction
For details of flood warnings, please visit the Environment Agency’s website.
For weather information, please visit the Met Office website
For up-to-date information about floods and other adverse weather conditions affecting roads in Somerset, please visit the Travel Somerset website.
Driving advice
- Do not drive through deep water. Cars can stall and be washed away
- Drive at speeds appropriate to the weather conditions, and remember that surface water can cause aquaplaning
- If you are travelling a long distance, make sure you have clothing, blankets, food and drink in the car in case you are caught up in long delays
School closures
When schools close you can find a list of schools which have let us know they are closed, or have restricted opening on the Somerset Learning Platform.
Transport information
You can find details of public, school and care transport which has been affected by flooding on our Transport affected by bad weather page.
Missed waste collections
You can find details of waste collections that have been missed because of flooding, and what you should do if this has affected you on the Somerset Waste Partnership website.
Sandbags
If your property is already flooded you should contact the fire service. If you are concerned that your property could flood, you should contact your district council for information about sand bags:
Insurance
Following the floods of 2007, DEFRA and the Association of British Insurers have developed information for householders and businesses about insurance in areas that are at risk. There is also information on flood resilient homes and what you can do to reduce flood damage.
Food and health
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) gives advice on food safety after a flooding incident.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) produces various leaflets on health issues after a flooding incident.
General advice
- Do not enter moving water. Moving water 18 inches or 45 centimetres deep can knock an adult over.
- Be aware of the location of drain and manhole covers. Water pressure can lift them out of place leaving a hidden danger.
- All flood water is potentially contaminated. Do not allow children to play in it and make sure you wash yourself thoroughly if you have been in contact with flood water.
- Make sure, where possible, that drains and screens are clear of debris to allow water to flow away freely.
- Do not approach any power cables that have been brought down by the weather. They could be live and therefore dangerous.
- Check that pets and livestock kept outside can move freely and escape rising water.
- If you are travelling in remote areas make sure family or friends know when you are leaving and your expected arrival time.
- Make sure mobile phones are fully charged – emergency calls are free even if you have no credit.
- Check to make sure elderly or vulnerable neighbours are safe.
- Do not put yourself at risk.
Flood protection products and services directory
This is a directory of flood protection products and services put together to help you protect your home or business against flooding. While we cannot endorse any of the products, we are happy to provide the information so that you can make informed choices.
Where there is a risk of flooding to a depth of more than 0.9m, keeping water out can sometimes do more harm than good. The pressure of water against your property may cause structural damage to the building itself.
The National Flood Forum recommends that you visit the Environment Agency website before you buy any flood protection products.
You can also phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and ask for copies of their information booklets “Preparing for a Flood”, “During a Flood” and “After a Flood”.