Adapting to Change

Flood Resilience

How Watford Council is making Watford more flood resilient?

To mitigate against flooding, Watford Council has committed to grant no planning permissions contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on flooding and water quality grounds. Watford Council has also committed to avoiding new building developments on the functional flood plain. 

Follow these tips and actions to prepare for flooding.

What can you do now to prepare for a potential flood?

  • Identify how to turn off electricity and gas/water.
  • Prepare an accessible emergency kit with important documents and contact information, waterproof clothing, a torch, water, first aid kit, prescription medicine, childcare items, phone and charger, spare batteries and pet supplies.
  • Check your insurance covers flooding and have a hard copy in a safe place.
  • Keep up-to-date photos of your internal/external property.

What can you do when you know a flood is likely?

  • Turn off electricity, gas and water. Move valuables either upstairs or onto shelves to protect them from damage.
  • Do not use your dishwasher, sink or flush your toilet. The added water culd cause yourself or a neighbour to flood sooner.
  • Grab your emergency kit. Keep it with you at all times and be prepared to use it.
  • Alert those in your household and neighbours and when safe call the Environment Agency 24/7 floodline on 03459881188. 
  • Do not walk or drive through flood water, as it may conceal hidden dangers. 
  • Move your car to higher ground out of the flood risk area - 30cm of water can move your car. 
  • If you are able, report your flooding at the HCC website. 
  • If you are in immediate danger, call 999. 

How can you get back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible?

  • When returning to your home, be aware that flood water may contain sewage of conceal hidden dangers. Make sure you protect yourself when you are cleaning. Visit this site for more information. 
  • Check your insurance policy and make sure your insurance company has given approval before beginning repairs. 
  • Take photographs and video footage of all damages. 
  • Do not dispose of any items until you are told to do so by insurers. 
  • Environment Agency flood alerts will inform you where there is no longer further risk of flooding and recovery actions can start. Take photos of flooding in your property and in the street and send to Herts County Council so they can better understand flooding in your area. 
  • Investigate ways to make your homes more resilient to flooding - putting in extra shleving, raising plug sockets, changing ground floors from carpet to hard surfaces. 

Visit these resources to find out more: