Flooding advice

If a property has become flooded please call 999 to request the fire service to pump out the water.

Norfolk County Council are the Lead Local Flood Authority, if your property has been flooded please report it to Norfolk County Council.

The Environment Agency is responsible for managing flood risk and minimising the impact of flooding from main rivers and the sea. They provide extensive information about what to do before, during and after flooding. If you would like to receive live flood warnings from main rivers and the sea, please contact the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or register for live flood warnings.

Surface water flooding

Surface water flooding is caused when the volume of rainwater does not drain away through the existing drainage systems or soak into the ground, but flows over the ground instead. Any incidents of surface water flooding should be reported to the Water Management Team at Norfolk County Council by calling 0344 800 8020.

If the water is coming from the highway, Norfolk County Council Highways may be able to assist. The Norfolk County Council website provides further information on flood and water management.

Flooding in the home

Privately Owned Housing

If your private house is flooding, here are some steps you should consider taking:

Safety first: ensure the safety of yourself and your family. If the flooding is severe and poses an immediate danger, evacuate the premises and call the Emergency Services on 999.
Contact a professional: if the flooding is due to overflowing private drains or sewers, you will need to contact a drainage contractor to address any blockages. If you are unsure whether the blockage is in the public or private sewers you should contact Anglian Water Customer Services at 0345 791 9155.
Protect your belongings: move valuable items and important documents to a higher level to prevent damage.
Document the damage: take photographs or videos of the affected areas and any damaged property. This will be useful for insurance claims.
Contact your insurance company: notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to seek advice on making a claim. They may also provide assistance with temporary accommodation or the clean-up process.
Use protective gear: if you need to handle items that have been in contact with flood water, wear waterproof gloves and clothing, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Remove water and debris: Once it is safe to do so, remove dirty water and silt from your property, which may require pumping. Ensure the property is fully dried out to prevent further damage.
Disinfect: clean and disinfect all hard, non-porous surfaces, toys, and any affected outdoor areas to prevent health risks.

Rented or Housing Association Properties

If you live in a rented or housing association property you should contact your housing provider to inform them of the flooding and get support.

A practical advice leaflet about what to do to protect you and your property before, during and after flooding is available on the government website.

Flooding affecting roads or pavements

If flooding from drains is affecting roads or pavements, please contact Norfolk County Council Highways department on 0344 800 8020 or report the flooding online.

Flooding from burst water mains

If a water main or sewer has burst and has caused flooding you should contact either Anglian Water or Essex and Suffolk Water