Planning for a Flood | Bollington Town Council

Start with cherished items of personal value that you will not be able to replace (such as family photographs). Next move valuables (such as computers), movable furniture and furnishings.

Know how to turn off your utilities

The location of water stopcocks, gas shut-off valves and electrical master switches varies between properties. The gas shut-off valve is usually beside the meter. The mains electricity cut-off is usually a big red switch on your fuse box. If you can’t find your water stopcock, ask someone with practical experience or a plumber to help you.

Reducing flood damage

You can take steps such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the wall and fitting non-return valves to stop flood water entering your property through the drains.

Bollington Town Council endeavours to provide bags and grit at the Town Hall for residents to collect and use as flood defence.

Check your insurance

Make sure you have insurance to protect your home or business. If you have buildings and contents insurance, check if flood damage is included.

If you rent your home, it’s your responsibility to protect your belongings.

If you’re finding it difficult to get your property insured for flooding, the National Flood Forum may be able to help.

Health & Safety

Prioritise your health and safety

Listen to the advice of the emergency services.
Do not re-enter your home unless it is safe to do so.
Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated by flood water.
Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.
Do not take medication contaminated by flood water.
Call NHS 111 for advice on medical prescriptions if you have been evacuated.
Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and water 6 inches deep can knock an adult off their feet.
If an animal is in danger, log the issue with Cheshire Fire and Rescue on 01606 868700. The switchboard is open 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Evacuating your home

Essential items to pack:

torch with spare batteries,
mobile phone and charger,
warm clothes,
home insurance information,
water,
food,
first aid kit,
any prescription medicines,
baby care items you may need.

Key phone numbers

Print and keep a copy of key phone numbers you may need in a time of flooding

Environment Agency – Flooding from a main river – Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service)

Environment Agency – Flooding from a main river – Flood line 0345 988 1188 (24-hour service)

Cheshire East Highways Service – Urgent incident 0300 123 5020 (Working hours)

Cheshire East Highways Service – Urgent incident out of hours 0300 123 5025 (5pm – 9am, including weekends)

United Utilities – Flooding from a burst water mains 0800 330 0333

United Utilities – flooding from a public sewer 0345 672 3723

Canal and River Trust – Flooding from a canal incident 0303 040 4040

Canal and River Trust – Flooding from a canal emergency 0800 47 999 47

Electricity – 24-hour emergency helpline 105
(Free of charge call from any network)

Gas emergencies 0800 111 999