What is the responsibility of the city council?

The city council's role, as part of an emergency planning structure, is to care for people who have been evacuated from premises subject to flooding. Such action is triggered by a request from the police or other uniformed service. In this event, the city council, along with county council support, will open a 'Rest Centre', normally in a school or leisure centre. Should residents not be able to return home in the near future, the city council will assist them to find temporary accommodation.

For out of hours emergencies telephone Gloucester City Council on:  01452 396396. Gloucester City Council works in partnership with agencies, Government Departments and other local authorities both internally and externally to provide up-to-date information on emergencies as they arise within Gloucestershire.  Click here for more details.

What other support can we expect from the city council?

We will seek to provide temporary toilets if residents are remaining in their homes but unable to use their own toilets. We will also clean the roads after the flooding has subsided.

Based on river levels  the council will deliver sandbags to 'at risk' homes as detailed in its emergency flood plan.  Depending on weather reports it will also provide sandbags to other areas with a known flood problem. The council will also respond to requests for help and assistance from the emergency services.

For out of hours emergencies telephone Gloucester City Council on:  01452 396220. Gloucester City Council works in partnership with agencies, Government Departments and other local authorities both internally and externally to provide up-to-date information on emergencies as they arise within Gloucestershire.  Click here for more details.

What can we not expect from the city council?

It is residents own responsibility to arrange for facilities such as heaters, dehumidifiers, mechanical pumps and meals. You may be able to get support from your insurance company for some of this, and the Gloucester Flood Relief Fund may be able to look favourably on hardship claims at a later time.

In order to assist you, the following telephone numbers may be useful:

Sandbags can be purchased from:- Allstones Sand and Gravel (01452) 536536

Pumps can be hired from:- Ashtead Plant Hire, Telford (01952) 620320 Sykes Pumps (01452) 330245, Pump Supplies (01452) 303006

Heater/Dehumidifiers may be hired from:- HSS Hire shop, 78 Bristol Road (01452) 311499, Brandon Tool Hire, 9 Mercia Road (01452) 416666, Britannia Services, 69 Rowanfield Road, Cheltenham (01242) 250001

How does flood warning help?

Although flood warning cannot prevent flooding it can help limit the damage caused. The Environment Agency aims to give 2 hours warning of flooding. This helps those at risk of flooding prepare by protecting themselves, their families and their property by moving vehicles, valuables and pets out of danger. Turning off gas and electricity (get help if needed),sandbagging doors and air bricks and having emergency phone numbers to hand all help prepare for flooding and reduce the impact.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the damage to my property when flooding occurs?

Yes, by being prepared you can limit the damage. Use sandbags or proprietary flood proofing systems, store valuables in high places. The Environment Agency has produced a flood proofing guide available on its website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ or on Floodline 0845 9881188. Other longer-term options might include raising floor levels, raising electrical sockets, waterproofing walls and floors and other similar activities.

The Environment Agency's Floodline Number is: 0845 9881188

Flood warnings for GLoucester can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/floodwarning/?view=Search+results&summary=Midlands&severity=2&lang=_e

For out of hours emergencies telephone Gloucester City Council on:  01452 396396. Gloucester City Council works in partnership with agencies, Government Departments and other local authorities both internally and externally to provide up-to-date information on emergencies as they arise within Gloucestershire.  Click here for more details.