Protecting Your Home

Helpful resources:

During the event:

Here are a few suggestions on what to do once floodwaters recede:

Managing flood risk is a shared responsibility between several organisations. Each plays a different role in helping prevent flooding, maintaining drainage systems and responding when flooding occurs.

• Environment Agency – manages flood risk from main rivers and the sea.

• Lead Local Flood Authority (Slough Borough Council) – manages surface water flooding and local flood strategy.

• Water companies – maintain public sewers and drainage networks.

• Highway authorities – manage road drains and roadside drainage.

• Landowners and residents – are responsible for maintaining watercourses and drainage within their property boundaries.

Projects like Project Sponge work alongside these organisations to explore nature-based solutions that help slow, store and absorb rainwater in local neighbourhoods.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

Depending on the type of flooding, different organisations may be able to help:

• Environment Agency Floodline: 0345 988 1188

• Slough Borough Council: for local flooding issues affecting roads or public spaces

• Your water company: if flooding is coming from sewers or drains

• Emergency services: if there is a risk to life or property

You can also sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings to receive alerts when flooding is expected.

Reporting flooding helps local authorities understand where problems are happening and respond more effectively.

If you experience flooding:

• Report surface water flooding to Slough Borough Council

• Report sewer flooding to your water company

• Report river flooding to the Environment Agency

If flooding has caused damage to property or infrastructure, reporting it ensures it is recorded and helps inform future flood management work.

Most UK home insurers include flood cover as part of standard home insurance policies. However, in areas at higher risk of flooding, cover may sometimes be more difficult to obtain.

The Flood Re scheme helps make flood insurance more affordable for homes at risk of flooding by supporting insurers to provide cover.

Many major insurers participate in Flood Re, including well-known UK providers such as Aviva, Direct Line, LV= and others.

If you’re looking for cover, it can help to:

• Compare quotes from several insurers

• Use comparison websites

• Speak directly with insurers about properties in flood-risk areas

Yes. In some circumstances, funding may be available to help households become more resilient to flooding.

The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Repair Grant can provide financial support for measures such as flood doors, airbrick covers, pumps or water-resistant materials when repairing a property after flooding.

Availability can vary depending on government funding and local authority programmes.

You may also find support or guidance through:

• Local councils

• The Environment Agency

• Community flood resilience programmes

Improving resilience can help homes recover more quickly and reduce the impact of future flooding.