Flood and cold weather advice issued by Severn Trent after flooding in region

With many communities in the region suffering from flooding as a result of snow and rain, advice has been issued to help residents stay safe.

Severn Trent has issued the fresh advice due toflooding today (January 6), which has seen road closures, flood warnings, and some areas submerged — including parts of Bottesford.

More cold weather is expected in coming days, and the water company’s advice details which authorities should be contacted, and steps which can be taken to avoid flooding.

• For flooding on roads, small rivers and streams residents should contact their local council to report flooding on roads, or blocked drains or grates on highways. They will also help with groundwater surface flooding.

• For major river flooding, The Environment Agency will be able to help residents at risk of flooding due to rising river levels. The agency’s flood line number is 0345 988 1188.

• For sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes residents should contact Severn Trent. If the flooding is due to heavy rain, the water company said it may need to wait for the flood water to subside before it can investigate. Residents should also contact their insurer for help and advice.

Scott Ludford, waste lead for 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.

“If the flooding is rainwater, it should subside on its own once the weather starts to clear and it stops raining. But if you see sewer flooding from a public drain or manhole should contact us and we’ll send someone out as soon as possible.”

Other steps people can take to help keep their home flood-free during stormy conditions include:

• Empty garden water butts before the rain starts, to help reduce the rainwater flow into the drains when a storm arrives.

• Check home and garden drains are free-flowing and clear out any leaves or other waste so rainwater can more easily flow away.

• Have a look at the roadside drains around the house and clear any leaves or debris, or get in touch with your local council if blocked.

When it comes to freezing temperatures, there are many ways people can prepare their home. Tips and advice include:

• Wrap all pipework, fittings, and storage tanks in unheated areas of the home (such as lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages) with insulation. It’s best to use good quality waterproof foam.

• Insulate or drain outside taps down to the pipework that links to the tap.

• Make sure that everyone in the household knows where the stop tap is located so that it can be reached quickly in an emergency. Stop taps are usually located under the kitchen sink, in the garage or in a ground floor utility room or bathroom, near to where the water supply pipe first enters the home .

They should also be checked regularly as they can often get stuck if they’re not used very often.