Become a Flood Warden

What is a Community Flood Warden?

Community Flood Wardens are members of the local community and are supported by the Local Authorities, the Environment Agency and LLR Prepared.
Nominated volunteers will sign up with their District Council and become part of the Community Flood Plan for their area. They will also receive direct flood warnings from the Environment Agency and pass these on to their neighbours. The number of Community Flood Wardens will depend on the size of the community – a single individual may cover one street, connecting streets or even the whole community.

Why do we need Community Flood Wardens?

Since the year 2000, a large number of communities have been affected by some of the worst flooding for 50 years, and have been forced to confront the devastating consequences that flooding can bring. Flooding is a natural process and whilst it cannot be prevented, there are things we can do to prepare for a flood event.
Although the Environment Agency issue warnings for most main rivers and the coast, it is important for individuals and local communities to understand that they also have a responsibility to look after themselves, their families and properties by preparing for flooding. Flooding can be made worse by blocked drains and other obstructions – by monitoring and reporting such conditions to the appropriate authority, flood wardens can help to reduce potential problems.

There are a number of Community Flood Wardens operating within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and many advantages have already been gained. They help to bring the community together during difficult times and by working together with the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and the Emergency Services, the impact of flooding can be reduced.

What is the role of a Community Flood Warden?

Each Community Flood Warden will have a certain area that he/she will look after, and by working together with the Local Authority and the Environment Agency, ensure their community is prepared for flooding.
This could be in a variety of ways, for instance:

• Ensure members of the community have received direct flood warnings, understand what they mean and where to obtain further information
• Work as a community to prepare for a flood event and identify vulnerable people within the community who may need extra help
• Report blocked drains, ditches, etc to the relevant authority
• Develop a Community Flood Plan

Support and training will be provided, along with assistance with the production of a Community Flood Plan.

Community Flood Wardens should always remember Health and Safety is very important and never place themselves in positions where their own personal safety is at risk. In particular, they should not:

• Enter any flood water whatsoever
• Put themselves at risk to attempt any form of rescue operation
• Attempt to clear blocked drains, gullies, ditches or watercoures

They should always call the emergency services or the relevant agency to deal with such situations.

How can I become a Community Flood Warden?

Although there are around 100 Volunteer Community Flood Wardens already operating in the area, we need to recruit and train more to ensure that we can effectively cover the City, County and Rutland.
If you or a member of your community is interested in volunteering to become a Community Flood Warden in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland, please send us an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click here to watch being a Community Flood Warden – what’s involved

Personal Flood Plan

1. Before a flood

Check what to do before or during a flood.

Sign up for flood warnings.

Check you understand what the warnings mean:

• flood alert
• flood warning.
• severe flood warning

Get up to date information by noting:

• your local radio station for travel and weather
• the phone number for Floodline (0345 988 1188)
• local websites and social media

Check if your insurance covers you for flooding.

Think about how you could stop water entering your home. Check you know how to turn off your electricity and water.

Move important documents and possessions and store them in a location where they won’t be damaged by flood water. Protect them in a waterproof container. Keep them in a place that is easy to get to in an emergency. These might include:

• passport
• driving licence
• medical cards
• insurance documents
• computers or laptops
• mobile phones and chargers
• important photos and papers
• items of sentimental value

2. Getting help

Keep a note of who can help you and anyone you can help.

This might be relatives, friends or neighbours. Make a note of what help you might need from them, or what you can do to help them.

2.1 Contact details you might need

Insurance:

• home
• contents
• vehicle

Utilities:

• electricity
• gas
• water
• telephone
• broadband
• mobile phone
• media providers

Finance:

bank accounts

Pets:

• kennels
• carers
• vets

Council:

• district or unitary council
• town or parish council

Medical:

• doctors
• hospitals

3. Prepare a flood kit

Items you might want to include are:

• important documents and contact information
• warm, waterproof, and dry clothing and footwear
• a torch
• drinking water
• medicine
• toys for children
• baby care items
• mobile phone or device charger or spare batteries

3.1 Pets and animals

Think about what to do with pets if a flood happens. This could be:

• where they might go
• food
• carriers
• medicines

If you are asked to evacuate, many centres will allow you to bring your pet. Put cats or small animals in a carrier or small box.

4. Immediately before a flood

Actions you can take if you know you are about to be flooded include:

• turn off electricity, water and gas supplies
• lift curtains over rails above flood water levels
• use any measures you have to stop water entering your property, such as door guards or air brick covers
• move important items to safety
• lift rugs and smaller furniture upstairs or on to tables or worktops if possible
• get your flood kit together and prepare to move from your home
• move your pets and car away from flood areas if possible
• make sure your mobile phone or devices are charged

5. When a flood happens

Actions you should take:

• follow warnings, information and advice issued by authorities
• do not walk or drive through flood water, as it may conceal hidden dangers
• do not put yourself or others at risk
• take your flood kit with you if you directed to an evacuation centre
• let your family or friends know you are safe
• check they are safe too

6. After a flood

Actions you can take:

• do not return to your home until you are told it is safe to do so
• when returning home, remember that flood water may contain sewage and conceal hidden dangers
• wear appropriate waterproof or protective clothing when cleaning up
• contact your insurance company to start the claims process
• if you rent your property, contact your landlord and contents insurance company
• throw away items damaged by flood water after your property and items have been checked by a loss adjuster
• make sure you throw away items in an appropriate manner
• You may need gas or electricity engineers to check your supply before turning it back on.

7. Further information

You can find more information from:

• your local council
• your local advice centre
• the British Red Cross
• the National Flood Forum

Download a PDF version of your Personal Flood Plan