Following one of the driest summers on record it could have been expected that the chances of groundwater flooding this winter would be very low. However, with much higher than average rainfall totals for the autumn 2023 is already looking rather soggy – and there’s more rain in the forecast for the rest of this month.
Dorset currently has 13 flood warnings in place and more heavy rain is expected this week. We want to support Dorset’s residents and communities as best we can during this unsettled period. Below is some advice from the Environment Agency on what you can do to prepare for flooding, particularly if you live in a low lying area that is liable to flood.
- Think and prepare now for what you’ll do if flooding occurs where you live, don’t wait until flooding happens
- If your village or town has a community flood plan – put it into action
- Do not attempt to drive through flood water, adding to the pressure on our blue light services.
- Encourage community members to move valuables from basements and cellars
- Remind residents with pumps and other property resilience measures to check they have been serviced and that they are working effectively
- Residents with septic tanks are advised to eliminate all non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible until the ground is no longer flooded.
- Keep drains and gullies free of leaves and debris, request help from Highways if necessary (call 01305 221020)
- Visit the Environment Agency website for flooding information www.gov.uk/check-flooding
- If you own part of the riverbank you should keep the banks and bed of the river clear of debris
- Parishes in areas at risk of flooding are advised to develop a Community Flood Plan, identifying local issues and work with the different agencies to be better planned, prepared and able to respond to flooding
You can also see the Environment Agency bulletin here.
Here’s some useful contacts, should you find your home and/or your community is affected by flooding:
- Dorset Council Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance: 01305 221020
- Dorset Council Sandbags & Local Flooding Advice
- Dorset Council Non Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance
- 24 hour Wessex Water line: 0345 600 4600
- 24 hour floodline: 0345 988 118 (www.gov.uk/flood)
- Environment Agency National Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60
- Environment Agency Flood Resilience Team (office hours)
- Flood Online Reporting Tool (FORT)
