Flooding advice

Flooding can occur anywhere and its impact can be significant. Drainage systems can become overwhelmed by the amount of water. If the ground is already saturated it is even more difficult for water to drain away. It is the responsibility of property owners to protect their property from flooding.

During a flooding incident, you should focus on the safety of yourself and others and stay out of floodwater. It is often not clean and can lead to infections and illness.

There are 3 types of flood warning:

  • severe flood warning
  • flood warning
  • flood alert

For more information about this, and to see if a flood warning is in place, please go to the Environment Agency's website.

Current water levels in Bracknell Forest

Use the links below to check current water levels:

Preparing for flooding

To minimise the risk of flooding, we advise owners and landlords to check and maintain the condition of all outside gullies, drains and manholes on their property regularly.

We also strongly advise private homeowners and landlords to be prepared to protect their property against flooding.

If there's a flood happening near you, follow the five steps below to make sure you are well prepared and safe.

Step 1

Before flood water enters your home, close and lock downstairs windows and doors. Keep the keys safely to hand and move upstairs.

Step 2

Continue to listen to situation updates from your local radio station and by Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Step 3

Stay in your property if safe to do so or until either the emergency services tell you otherwise or the floodwater has gone.

Step 4

Do not drive or walk through floodwater. If it is necessary to walk through shallow water, beware of hidden holes, obstacles and other hazards.

Step 5

If you come into contact with floodwater, wash any exposed body parts with bottled or cool boiled water before handling food or looking after wounds.

Priority use of sandbags

We have a supply of sandbags that are used to protect key properties and support emergency services. There is no on-demand sandbag service for the general public. Our priorities for the use of sandbags include:

  • preventing loss of life or serious injury
  • maintaining access for the emergency services
  • protecting property occupied by a vulnerable resident such as a housebound, frail or disabled person unable to assist themselves
  • protecting vital facilities and assets within the community

You can buy sandbags from building suppliers or merchants. Sandbags are often regarded as a seasonal item and they may not be easily available throughout the year.

Alternative modern products, which offer protection from flooding, are also available to buy online. Some reputable builders merchants and suppliers or home improvement stores also stock them.

Further advice

Public Health England provides important information about risks to health caused by flooding.

The National Flood Forum supports and represents communities and individuals who may be affected by flooding.

If you need to be evacuated then see our evacuations page for more guidance.