Frequently Asked Questions
Is my property at risk of flooding?
You can use the Environment Agency Flood Map to check your long term flood risk from rivers, the sea, surface water, reservoirs and groundwater (where data is available).
I live in an area of flood risk. What should I do?
- Write a Personal Flood Plan.
- Sign up for flood warnings by phone, text or email.
- Consider installing Property Flood Resilience measures on your home.
- Prepare an Emergency Grab Bag.
Find out more here.
What items should I include in my emergency grab bag?
- Emergency contact numbers
- Important documents (e.g., insurance details, passport)
- Torch
- Drinking water
- Warm, waterproof, and dry clothing and footwear
- Medicine
- Baby care items
- Mobile phone and charger
- Plan for any pets
- First aid kit
What should I do during a flood?
In the event of an emergency, contact the appropriate service. Details of emergency telephone numbers are provided here.
Remember to:
- Follow warnings, information and advice issued by authorities
- Do not walk or drive through flood water, as it may conceal hidden dangers
- Do not put yourself or others at risk
- Take your flood kit with you if you are directed to an evacuation centre
- Let your family or friends know you are safe
- Check they are safe too
My business is at risk of flooding. What should I do?
- Write a Business Flood Plan.
- Check your insurance covers you for flood damage, business interruption and lost revenue.
- Sign up for flood warnings by phone, text or email.
- Consider installing Property Flood Resilience measures to protect your business.
- Plan for preventing business disruption and assisting recovery (known as business continuity).
Find out more here.
Where do I report flooding?
How to a report a flood incident depends on the type of flood and where it is.
Click here to find out where to report flooding.
Does my community have a Flood Plan?
Check out our interactive map to see where our Cornish communities are on their journey to become flood prepared!
Get in touch with us and we can link you up with your community’s Flood Group. Don’t see your community on the map? Contact us and we can support you to put a Community Flood Plan together.
How do I keep my pets or livestock safe during flooding?
If you have pets or livestock, the RSPCA offers guidance during flooding for your animals.
What should I do after a flood?
Click here for guidance on what to do after a flood and how to clean your home up safely.
Additionally, guidance on physical and mental health following a flood is provided by Public Health England, and advice on dealing with your insurance company is given on the Association of British Insurers (ABI) webpage.
Cornwall Council is responsible for cleaning adopted streets, roads and lanes, as well as Council owned or managed land. Phone 0300 1234 141 to report any issues.
Where can I find advice on installing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures?
- You can find out about the different types of PFR on our PFR Page.
- The BeFloodReady website has lots of information on PFR.
- FloodMary’s website has an directory of PFR products and measures, including simple, low-cost preparedness tips.
- You can also visit the Blue Pages Website, which has a directory of PFR products and services available to help reduce the risk of flooding to your home or business.