Protecting your home against flooding

You can prepare your home against the risk of flooding by taking a few, practical steps:

firefighters in a boat on a flooded street

  • Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, water or electricity – if you are not sure, ask your supplier for advice
  • Keep a kit of essential items like copies of your insurance documents, a battery powered torch and radio and a first aid kit

In the event of a flood:

  • Remember, your (and your family’s) safety is most important, so move them and your pets upstairs, with a means of escape
  • Turn off your electricity and gas supply – if it is safe to do so – but do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
  • move valuable items upstairs or to a high point in your property
  • If you do not have non-return valves fitted, you should plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths
  • Disconnect any equipment that uses water, like, washing machines and dishwashers

Sandbags

To request sandbags for flooding on the highway or to report flooding of your home, please contact Durham County Council using the link below. This line is staffed Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.  If you ring after hours you will be given the option to either leave a message or to be transferred to the out of hours Emergency Team. 

www.durham.gov.uk/sandbags

www.durham.gov.uk/article/1919/Flooding-help-and-advice

Contacting Darlington Borough Council

http://www.darlington.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/rain-and-flooding…

Driving in Floods and Standing Water

For advice on driving during floods and standing water see the section in the community safety section here.