Flooding

Flooding is a priority risk in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It is important for residents, businesses and communities to plan and prepare.

There are two types of flooding risk:

  1. Fluvial flooding - rising water and burst rivers
  2. Pluvial flooding - surface water caused by heavy rain

Leicester City is currently one of the top 10 flood risk areas in the country, due to the combination of fluvial and pluvial flood risk.

How you could be affected

Flooding could:

  • cause damage to property, businesses and the economy
  • force people to leave their homes
  • affect mental health
  • cause injuries or deaths
  • disrupt power and transport
  • pollute the environment

What you should do

  • Stay safe - if there is an immediate risk to life or you are trapped by flood water, call 999
  • Avoid flood water - move people, pets and valuables to a higher level in your property
  • Move furniture and switch off electrical equipment - raise any furniture that you cannot move upstairs off the floor
  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water supplies - do not touch any electrical appliances or cables when standing in flood water
  • Avoid non-essential travel - if you must travel, do not drive through flood water
  • Check on the elderly and vulnerable - make sure family members and neighbours are safe
  • Follow instructions - the emergency services and local authorities will guide you in the case of a flood incident
  • Report the flooding incident - if you are affected by flooding, contact your Lead Local Flood Authority
  • Contact your insurance company - take photos or videos and make a list of everything that has been damaged
  • Dispose of flood damaged items - contact your local district council to find out how to do that safely
  • Avoid contact with flood water - wear protective clothing and footwear when cleaning up as water could be contaminated
  • Seek assistance - visit the Flood Hub for further advice about recovering from a flood

Further advice and information

National Flood Forum - a charity helping, supporting and representing people at risk of flooding

Association of British Insurers - helping households who are struggling to obtain flood cover

Flooding and Health - advice for the public on flood recovery and mental health impacts

Lead Local Flood Authorities responsible for developing, maintaining and applying a strategy for local flood risk management:

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