Charnwood Borough Council has put together some key information to help residents and businesses understand the issues around flooding.

• Sign up for free flood warning alerts by phone: call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or visit www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
• Buy some sandbags or any other flood prevention measure. Sandbags are available from some DIY stores or take a look at information available on www.bluepages.org.uk
• Create a flood plan for your family home or business.
  • For personal flood plans visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan
  • For business flood plans visit : www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-your-business-for-flooding
• Ensure your home has the proper insurance in place. If your property has a high risk of flooding, Flood Re may be able to help. It is an initiative between Government and insurers to make the food cover part of household insurance policies more affordable. Visit www.floodre.co.uk
• Do not travel through flooded areas. Six inches (15.5 cm) of water can cause you to lose control of your car and even shallow fast-moving water can sweep you off your feet.

Here are some other handy website addresses and phone numbers:

• The National Flood Forum is a charity that offers advice and support. Its website is www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk and their phone number is 01299 403055.
• www.charnwood.gov.uk/flooding – contains information, advice and signposting to other agencies.
• www.leicestershire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/flooding-and-drainage – this is Leicestershire County Council’s website section about flooding. The County Council is the local lead flood authority and is also responsible for local roads.
• Floodline helpline – telephone: 0345 988 1188 / textphone: 0345 602 6340 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• www.llrprepared.org.uk/be-aware/flooding/ – contains information and advice about flooding.

Karisa Krcmar