This month has seen a number of flood alerts and flood warnings following Storm Henk and the strong winds.

The Emergency Planning Team at Braintree District Council have created a newsletter covers information on how you can be prepared for any future flooding events, how to check your risk and how to protect your property.

Check your flood risk 

You can use the GOV website to check current flood warnings or alerts in your local area, river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels and flood risk.

Tips for improving your flood resilience:

  • Have a bag ready with vital items like insurance documents and medications in case you need to leave your home
  • Check you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
  • Plan how you’ll move family and pets to safety
  • Consider property protection products such as flood barriers or air brick covers. Check online if you are eligible for a grant to help protect your property
  • Make sure you have a list of useful contact numbers
  • Make yourself an action plan to use in the event of a flood.

The National Flood Forum provides useful information on preparing for a flood, protecting and recovering your home and reducing risk.

Read more

Become a flood resilient community

There are lots of ways you can support your local town or village to become more
resilient to extreme weather:

  • Check if your parish council has an emergency plan which includes a response to flooding
  • Do you have resources you could offer to your community during flooding? Let your parish council know
  • Would your community be interested in setting up a flood resilience group?
More on flood resilience groups

What to do with fallen trees

We’ve seen lots of fallen trees across the district following Storm Henk.

Here’s a reminder of what to do if you come across a fallen tree and some handy links:

  • To report a fallen tree which is not urgent or a threat to life, you can report via our website
  • To report a fallen tree that is a threat to life or public safety, call our Customer Service team on 01376 552525
  • To report a fallen tree that is obstructing a highway, contact Essex Highways
  • To report a fallen tree on a highway that is a risk to public safety, call 0345 603 7631.

Recovering from flooding

Updated guidance has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for people with flooded homes on how to safely clean your home and how best to look after yourself.

How to safely clean your home

  • flood water can carry contaminants that can be harmful. Please wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and a plastic apron while cleaning up for protection
  • If the clean-up causes a lot of water to splash from scrubbing, hosing or pressure-washing, wear a safety face mask
  • Wear eye protection such as goggles
  • Thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap after each cleaning session and contact with flood water. If you have any open cuts or sores, clean and use waterproof plasters
  • If you are experiencing water disruption, use bottled water to wash your hands
  • Be careful with electricals and gas; it’s advised not to turn on gas or electricals if they may have become wet. Only turn them on once they have been checked by a qualified technician.

Read more advice