SEVERN TRENT issued storm and flooding advice to customers as Storm Bert is expected to hit over the weekend.
For flood on roads, residents should contact the local council to report flooding, blocked drains or grates on highways.
The council also helps with groundwater surface flooding, as well as flooding in streams, brooks and small rivers.
For major river flooding - The Environment Agency helps if you are at risk of flooding due to rising river levels, the flood line number is 0345 988 1188.
For sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes - If the flooding is coming from the public sewer, residents need to contact Severn Trent.
If the flooding is due to heavy rain, you may need to wait for the flood water to subside before Severn Trent can investigate – you should also contact your insurer so they can give you help and advice.
Steve Betteridge, head of waste network operations, Severn Trent said: “We know just how distressing any form of flooding can be and with more extreme weather events on the horizon being driven by climate change, we want to make sure that our customers are as prepared as possible if we see a return of last year’s stormy conditions.”
Severn Trent have provided steps to keep homes flood-free during stormy conditions:
- Empty any water butts in the garden before the rain starts, this will help reduce the rainwater flow into the drains when a storm arrives.
- Check that your home and garden drains are free-flowing – clear out any leaves or other waste so rainwater can more easily flow away.
- Have a look at the roadside drains around your house and clear any leaves or debris that you can – or get in touch with your local council if blocked.
Steve added: “To help keep the sewer pipes in your neighbourhood flowing freely, you should only ever flush the three Ps – pee, poo and paper – down the loo, and scrape any sauces, gravy and food scraps from plates into the bin instead of rinsing down the sink, and cooking oil can be poured into a bottle and then thrown away.”
