Ways to manage the flood risk
This information can help you prepare in case a flood happens. Further information can be found in our leaflet at the bottom of the page.
Quick links
River flooding - register for alerts
During long periods of rainfall the River Soar and other brooks and tributaries can cause flood risk in this area of the city. To find out more about your level of risk of flooding from rivers, visit the Environment Agency website and look at the flood map, or call Floodline on 03459 881188.
The Environment Agency leaflet can be downloaded below.
Protect your home or business
You may wish to buy products to help prevent water getting in. Examples of this are flood boards, and airbrick covers. The National Flood Forum can provide more information on these items if you contact them.
What can I do to lessen flood risk in my area?
If you don’t want to fit products to your house, you can consider some planting/landscaping to catch water and help it drain away. You could fit a water butt to catch rainwater or use permeable materials when laying driveways and patios to help the water drain through.
What can we do as a community?
- Warning system - Establish a chain of contacts to alert neighbours when water is high
- Protect vulnerable people - Check on neighbours if bad weather meant they could not leave the house
- Evacuation support - Help vulnerable people get support from emergency organisations
- Emergency centre - Run a safe area with water and toilet facilities so that people could be moved into basic facilities for a night or two
The best way to get involved in this kind of emergency planning is to consider becoming a flood warden.
Who are flood wardens?
Flood wardens are members of the local community who volunteer their time to help people affected by flooding in the city. They also help report any potential blockages in watercourses, drains and gullies which could make flooding worse.
Why do we need flood wardens?
With current climate change predictions it is expected that the UK will be experiencing more frequent and intensive rainfall. If such events were to happen our emergency response will become overloaded with calls and the main priority will be to help those most vulnerable. This is where flood wardens are needed; they can help the rest of the community that is affected by flooding. By working together we can reduce the impact of flooding.
What do flood wardens do?
Flood wardens receive direct flood warnings, working alongside the local authority and the Environment Agency. Their role will be:
- Assist in helping prepare for flooding events
- Develop a community plan
- Help vulnerable people who may need extra help
- Report blocked drains and gullies.
We are not asking flood wardens to put their own lives at risk in order to help others.
How do I become a flood warden?
If you would like to become a flood warden for Leicester, please send us an email to emergency.management@leicester.gov.uk.
Insurance claims
The National Flood Forum provides advice for people who have been or may be affected by floods. It provides a list of kite marked products to defend your home or business and advice on how to manage insurance claims.