Flooding

The Environment Agency has responsibility for management of all sources of flooding and coastal erosion across the UK, this is called a strategic overview.

The Environment Agency also has the day to day responsibility for managing the risk of flooding from

• main rivers
• reservoirs
• estuaries
• the sea

Read more about the responsibilities of water management:

The Met Office and the Environment Agency work together to provide everyone in the UK with up to date forecasting and warnings when flooding might happen.

If you live in an area that has a risk of flooding, be prepared in advance:

• Check whether your property is within a
  flood risk area
• Sign up for flood warnings at the Environment Agency’s
  free flood warnings
• see guidance on the Gov.uk website about
  preparing for flooding

The British Red Cross can also

At home you can

• Listen to your local radio for updates
• Check your insurance policy for your property, or speak to your landlord

Local Authority advice

For lots of helpful information in the Dorset Council area, click on the link below

You can also learn more with this handy guide:

For lots of helpful information in the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole area, download their flood action guide:

You can also learn more with this handy guide:

Property Flood Resilience

To look at guidance on property flood resilience and for creating a flood plan for your home or business:

Wessex Flood Warden Network

Dorset is part of the Wessex Flood Wardens network, which covers Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, with over 1,600 flood wardens actively involved in working with their communities, learn more:

If you would like to be part of the Network and set up a Personal Flood Plan for your community, contact the Environment Agency, via the Send Us A Message box at the bottom of this page.

The National Flood Forum offers advice on how to prepare for flooding. Locally, the Environment Agency, BCP Council and Dorset Council hold information for the public in respect of flooding and the use of sandbags.

For more information follow the links below:

Be more prepared with these additional resources, and you can also message us via the send us a message box, at the bottom of this page.