Severe flooding advice - What to do in a major flood
Key flooding emergency contacts
During a flooding event, if you are vulnerable or feel that lives are at risk, contact the emergency services on 999 for immediate assistance and rescue.
If the issue is urgent but not life threatening, please contact us by phone on
01708 434343 (Mon - Fri 9 - 5pm)
01708 439999 (out of hours)
Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 (main river & coastal flooding)
Thames Water on 0800 316 9800 (foul & surface water sewers & drains)
Anglian Water on 03457 145 145 (foul & surface water sewers & drains in parts of Upminster, Cranham & N. Ockendon)
Essex & Suffolk Water on 0800 526 337 (leaking & burst water mains or pipes)
Following the floods in 2016, Havering Council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, has commissioned flood investigation reports.
There is historical and current information on flooding on the GOV.UK website.
Flood warnings are issued by the Environment Agency and severe weather warnings can be found via the Met Office and the BBC. There are often warnings on local news, like the Romford Recorder, and local radio, like Time FM.
If you are concerned, or think there may be severe flooding, it is best to check these websites straight away.
For information on our plans for flooding we have a Multi Agency Flood Plan and you can also read our 2017 flood risk assessment.
Read the advice on how to clean up your home safely after a flood.
Flood resilience
We have a guide to help you prepare for a flood covering:
- finding out if you’re at risk
- making a flood plan and kit
- preparing inside and outside your home
- seeing who is responsible for what
- the main water routes in Havering
View the flood resilience guide
You can also read our general advice about what to do in an emergency for advice.