Drainage and flooding

The Gov.UK website provides advice on how to report a flood depending on what caused the flooding.

You can find the latest information about flooding in your area from the Flood Information Service, or alternatively you can contact Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for advice during a flood.

What you should do during a flood

Flood water can rise quickly, always focus on the safety of you and your family before your property and be prepared to act quickly. In the event of an emergency or severe flooding, follow these steps to stay safe:

• follow advice from emergency services
• evacuate your home if being advised to by emergency services
• if evacuating, take a mobile phone with key contact numbers 
• move family, pets and important items upstairs or to a high, safe place (with a means of escape)
• if safe to do so, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies if flood water is about to enter the home
• do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water

Vulnerable people

• keep vulnerable people and children away from the flood water
• if you're able to, check on elderly neighbours and relatives to ensure they are also safe

Walking/driving through flood water

• if walking, move slowly and carefully and wear strong footwear
• when driving, take extra care in built up areas
• drive slowly to avoid creating a bow wave in front of the vehicle
• never drive through flowing flood water that is more than 10cm deep
• do not ignore road closure signs, they are there for a reason and for your safety

If you are unsure of the depth of the water, the edge of the kerb is a good indicator. Don't assume a ford is always safe to cross - be aware of the risks.

Evacuation

In some cases seeking refuge from flood water upstairs would be unsafe and you may need to evacuate the area. If you do need to evacuate the area you will be informed by officials knocking on your door or by local radio or television stations.

Our role during a flood

We always monitor the weather and have flooding and severe weather emergency plans in place so we are prepared to act quickly when severe weather warnings are issued.

As part of our role as a Lead Local Flood Authority, we have produced a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (PDF, 5MB) which explains how we manage local flood risk in Cheshire West and Chester.

When it floods, the emergency services lead the response. We work with the Police, Fire and rescue service, the NHS, the Environment Agency and other partners to:

• evacuate people from flooded areas
• identify vulnerable people and check their safety
• close flooded roads and bridges and put diversions in place
• clear blocked drains on the roads
• support communities to respond quickly
• provide regular communications and updates on the situation