With flood warnings now in place across the district this morning (Sunday), residents are being urged to prepare for flooding.
The warnings mean that flooding is expected.
You can find out the areas where flood warnings are in place here.
There are services available that can help alert you to when flooding is possible.
You must help shore up your property’s defences in preparation for potential flooding.
Generally, one in six properties in Newark and Sherwood is at risk of flooding.
Check your flood risk by clicking here.
It is also important that residents have flood insurance.
Sandbags are a good way to shore up your property defences against flooding.
Sandbags are a short-term and relatively cheap way to manage flooding but only if they are filled and placed correctly.
They are of no use if a property is already flooded.
Instead, residents should concentrate their efforts on protecting family members and belongings.
There are purpose-designed flood protection products that are a better alternative but these may not be as accessible.
“When flooding is threatened, we may have limited supplies of sandbags that we can provide to vulnerable residents,” said a spokesman from the Newark and Sherwood District Council.
“These are for vulnerable people who are unable to provide their own.
“During an emergency flooding situation, we try to distribute sandbags to people and properties most in need.
“Please call us on 01636 650000 and we will ask you some questions and assess the priority of your needs.
“We will always try to help if we can.”
You can buy unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand from most DIY stores and builders merchants.
You can also purchase filled sandbags and aqua sacs from selective suppliers.
The Newark and Sherwood District Council website gives information on aqua-sacs.
An aqua-sac bag is a sturdy sack containing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP).
After soaking in water for five to eight minutes the bag self-inflates to over 30 times its original size.
After inflation, the aqua-sac can be used in the construction of flood defences in a similar way to using traditional sandbags.
When deflated aqua-sacs are lighter and easier to handle than sandbags.
Click here for information from the Government website on how to fill sandbags correctly.
You can sign up for free flood warnings from the Environment Agency in England by phone, email, or text message if your home or business is at risk of flooding.
Click here.
Nottinghamshire County Council also provides flood bulletins through their email service.
You can access their flooding factsheet here.
They provide advice and information on how to be prepared, how they are responding to incidents, and the latest situation in Nottinghamshire.
Click here.
Newark and Sherwood District Council said there are three different types of flood warnings in England.
These are:
Flood Alert – Prepare
Flooding is possible. Prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents. Visit the flood warning information service.
Flood Warning – Act
Flooding is expected and immediate action is required. Turn off gas, water, and electricity. Move things upstairs to safety. Move family, pets, and cars to safety.
Severe Flood Warning – Survive
Severe flooding can mean danger to life. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Follow the advice from emergency services. Keep yourself and your family safe.
“It is impossible to remove all danger of flooding but you can take reasonable measures to reduce the damage caused to your property,” said a spokesman from Newark and Sherwood Council.
“You can also minimise the effect it will have on you and your family.
“This can be done by making a flood plan and getting advice on preparing for an emergency.”
If you’re a homeowner, it is your responsibility to protect your property from flooding.
Newark and Sherwood District Council also operate a flood warden scheme.
The flood warden scheme is run by volunteers who operate in areas of the district that are liable to flooding.
Flood wardens help by advising the Environment Agency, emergency services, and local councils on conditions on the ground, prioritising any help that’s needed.
The role of a flood warden includes:
Newark and Sherwood District Council advise on doing the following if flooding occurs:
If life is in danger during flooding you should dial 999. Here are some other things you can do to stay safe:
Prepare an Emergency home kit which should contain:
Have an Emergency kit prepared in case you and your family need to go on the move:
It’s a good idea to prepare an emergency car kit and keep it in your vehicle in case you get stuck in floods or other severe weather.
Things to include:
If you are flooded in your property and need assistance, contact the authorities.
Be advised that Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service urge people not to drive through floodwater.
You risk getting stuck and often road-side homes are flooded due to vehicles pushing water into people’s properties.
Listen to authorities and call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for updates.
The Floodline provides information on the flood warnings issued for your area as well as other flood advice.
This government website provides advice on different types of flooding, planning, what to do during a flood, and what to do after a flood.
Click here.
Ensure that you follow the advice of the authorities.
Listen to local media – the latest flood/weather forecasts and school closure information will be provided via local radio, the Advertiser website, and TV.