Flood advice

photo of water being pumped away through large hoses

In the event of major flooding in the county, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service works closely with other agencies to deliver a coordinated approach to the operation.

If your home is threatened by by flood water, or in the event of a flood, we recommend the following:

  • For sandbags, ring your local council.  You can find their contact details on their websites or by looking in the telephone directory.
  • For up to date Flood Watch information, log on to the Environment Agency website or ring the Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
  • If you know your home is at risk of flooding, prepare a list of useful phone numbers and keep it somewhere safe.  This could include the correct number to ring for sandbags.  You can then contact the right number straight away when you need it.
  • If your home does begin to flood, turn off your electricity supply.
  • If floodwater threatens your home, move valuables and any furniture you can upstairs.
  • If you have an elderly or vulnerable family member or neighbour who is at risk of flooding, contact them to ensure they are prepared and know what to do should their home flood.
  • Don't try to drive through standing water - as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can't see.
  • Do not attempt to walk through floodwater.  There can be strong currents not visible from the surface which could sweep you away.
  • Listen out for warnings on radio and TV.
  • Dial 999 if there is imminent risk to a person's life.

Please note, the fire service may not always be able to help in the event of a flood.  A fire crew will not automatically be sent.  An officer will attend to assess the situation and if they feel the fire service can assist, they will call for a fire crew.  The officer may not attend straight away though as all calls are prioritised.

The fire service can only help in certain situations.  There has to be a certain level of water before we can pump water away, and we have to be able to pump it somewhere without it having a detrimental effect elsewhere.

For further flooding advice, contact the Environment Agency.