Preparing for flooding

If you live along a riverbank there is always the possibility that bad weather will threaten your property with flooding.

We support the Environment Agency in their work to build de-fences to stop this happening. However, even if you live away from a waterway the last few years have shown that severe storms can overwhelm the drainage system, saturate the ground and put many more homes, businesses and people at risk from flooding.

We work with the Environment Agency and other partners to plan how to best protect the people of Derbyshire from flooding and also to respond in an emergency.

Flood warnings
The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing flood warning in this country.

If flooding is forecast the warning is issued using these four codes:

• Flood watch - flooding is possible. Be aware! Be prepared!
• Flood warning - flooding is expected affecting homes, businesses and main roads. Act now!
• Severe flood warning - severe flooding expected. Imminent danger to life and property. Act now!
• All clear - Issued when there are no flood warnings in force or flood water levels are re-ceding.

Floodline
For real-time flood warnings and advice you can call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may also like to find out about how we prepare and plan to deal with other emergencies which may happen in Derbyshire. You can find this information in our emergency planning section.