10 January 2023 Flood warnings - Environment Agency advice on how to prepare for flooding Dorset currently has 13 flood warnings in place and more heavy rain is expected this week. Below is some advice from the Environment Agency on what residents can do to prepare for flooding, particularly if you live in a low-lying area that is liable to flood. Think and prepare now for what you’ll do if flooding occurs where you live, don’t wait until flooding happens. Do not attempt to drive through flood water, potentially adding to the pressure on our blue light services. Move valuables from basements and cellars. If you have a septic tank you are advised to eliminate all non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible until the ground is no longer flooded. Keep drains and gullies free of leaves and debris, request help from our Highways team if necessary (call 01305 221020) Visit the Environment Agency website for flooding information www.gov.uk/check-flooding If you own part of the riverbank you should keep the banks and bed of the river clear of debris Useful links and contacts Dorset Council Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance: 01305 221020 Dorset Council Sandbags & Local Flooding Advice Dorset Council Non Urgent Highway Drainage Maintenance 24 hour Wessex Water line: 0345 600 4600 24 hour floodline: 0345 988 118 (www.gov.uk/flood) Environment Agency National Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 Environment Agency Flood Resilience Team (office hours) Flood Online Reporting Tool (FORT) Community noticeboard Share Tweet