Severe flood warnings continue to be issued for the River Thames and the River Ash. This situation is expected to continue for around 15 days.
The Environment Agency predicts the river levels may rise by as much as 10cms by Sunday. This means that severe flooding is likely to continue and you need to take action now.
Police and other agencies are knocking on doors in affected areas as part of a co-ordinated plan to try and identify people most at risk from the flood water. These contacts could be made during the night and Police will give advice regarding the possible need for evacuation.
Flood plan checklist
Keep a list of useful numbers to hand:
- the emergency services – 999
- your insurance company
- Environment Agency Floodline – 0345 988 1188
- Spelthorne Borough Council – 01784 451499 – 7.30am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 5pm Friday
- Spelthorne Borough Council out of hours emergency – 01932 425060 (as we are in a partnership with Safer Runnymede) Action required
If you are trapped by flood water or have an emergency dial 999
Think about evacuation and a place to stay
If you vacate the property please ensure your relatives, friends or neighbours are aware of where you will be remember to take any medication with you do not let children play in flood water – it may be contaminated.
Make up a flood kit to include a torch, blankets, waterproof clothing, wellington boots, a portable radio, first aid kit, rubber gloves and key personal documents. Keep it upstairs if possible make sure you know where to turn off your gas and electricity and what about your pets?
Where will you move them to if a flood is on the way? Think about your car. Where can you move it to? We are providing free car parking in all council owned car parks until Wednesday 19 February 2014.
Store valuable or sentimental personal belongings upstairs or in a high place downstairs.
Ensure that elderly and vulnerable neighbours, friends or relatives in the area are aware of the danger.
Try to avoid coming into direct contact with floodwater. If you have to go into the water, wear waterproof boots and waterproof gloves. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly. Visit www.hpa.org.uk for further information.
Do not underestimate flood water when walking or driving through it.
If you are considering using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or generators to cook, heat or pump water, bear in mind these are not designed to be used inside the home. Make sure they have been serviced recently and you have adequate ventilation in your home when they are in use.
Sandbags
Sandbags will be of limited use and will only be distributed where the Council has assessed they would be effective. There is a limited supply of sandbags so the Council will be focusing on the most vulnerable people and providing critical support. Sandbags will not be distributed overnight because of the potential risk to staff. Vulnerable residents will be the first to be assessed for sandbags.
They include:
- elderly or those with young children
- frail or disabled people with limited mobility or with physical or mental impairments
You can purchase sandbags from builders merchants, prices do vary so shop around if you can.
Alternatively you can make your own by using pillowcases or bin liners filled with earth or sand.
Toilets and showers
If your toilet is not working and you need a portable toilet, call Customer Services on 01784 451499 who will take further details. Sewer flooding: for urgent sewer-related matters, call the Thames Water on 0845 9200 800.
If your shower is not working, free showers and toilets are available at Sunbury and Spelthorne (Staines) Leisure Centres. The opening hours are 6am to 11pm.
Short term emergency accommodation
If you are forced to leave your property, try to make arrangements for temporary accommodation with friends and family where possible.
If you are not able to do so, basic short term temporary accommodation will be available at a rest area. Here you will be assessed and given advice on what to do next.
For further details contact Customer Services on 01784 451499 until 6pm (5pm on Fridays) and our partner organisation, Safer Runnymede, on 01932 425060 from 6pm-7.30am.
Number of homes affected
- Approximately 1,000 properties (homes and business) flooded
- Approximately 2,000-2,500 properties affected by flooding
- Approximately 3,000 homes visited by Police house to house teams since Sunday 9 February and given advice and reassurance
Who we are working with during this emergency
We are working with a number of partner organizations including Surrey Police, Surrey County Council / Social Services and other neighbouring Councils, Environment Agency and Highways Agency, Thames Water and Affinity Water, Surrey Fire and Rescue, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Public Health England, NHS England, Military, Met Office, Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Associations, Everyone Active Leisure Facilities and Member of Parliament, Kwasi Kwarteng.
We have had many offers of help from volunteers in the community and from businesses. We are very grateful for these offers and we will be taking up as many as we can.
Please rest assured Spelthorne Borough Council staff, councillors and the other agencies are working hard on your behalf during this very difficult time.