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Cambridgeshire Fire & Resue Service

Working together to improve community safety
General enquiries
01480 444 500
In an emergency
dial 999

Flooding

In the event of major flooding in the county, we work closely with other agencies to deliver a coordinated approach to the operation.

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

  • For up to date flood watch information, log onto the Environment Agency website.
  • Listen out for warnings on official social media channels, radio and TV, and phone Floodline 0345 988 118 for more information
  • If you know your home is at risk of flooding, prepare a list of useful phone numbers and keep it somewhere safe
  • If your home does start to flood, turn off your electricity supply
  • For sewage leaks contact your water company
  • 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.

Dial 999 if there is a threat to someone's life

The fire service may not always be able to help in the event of a flood. A fire crew will not automatically be sent. Sometimes, an officer may attend to assess the situation and if they feel the fire service can assist, they will call for a fire crew.

The fire service can only help in certain situations. There has to be in excess of 150mm of water before our equipment can be used to pump water away, and we have to be able to pump it somewhere without it having a detrimental effect elsewhere.

Stay safe on the roads during times of extreme weather or flooding

  • Don't drive through standing water - as well as the water damaging your car, there may be hazards under the water you can't see.
  • If you see a sign to say that the road is closed due to flooding, remember the sign is there for a reason. Don't try to drive through.
  • When driving, if heavy rain is making visibility difficult, slow right down or pull over if possible.
  • Remember roads will be slippery during wet conditions.
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck in floodwater and you are trapped inside it, call the fire service for assistance and calls will be prioritised where there is a risk to life.
  • Do not call 999 to tow a vehicle out of flood water. If your vehicle is stuck in floodwater and your road recovery company tells you to ask the fire service for assistance, please note, we will only attend if there is a risk to life.

For further flooding advice, please visit the Environment Agency website.