About this guide
Gloucestershire has experienced significant flood events in 2007, 2012, 2014 and the winter of 2019/2020, as well as localised flooding incidents.
This guide is to help you prepare for before, during and after a flooding incident.
Introduction
In summer 2007, Gloucestershire experienced one of the worst emergencies the county has seen. Flooding, water shortages and power cuts touched everyone in one way or another, and for those people who were flooded it was obviously a very difficult experience.
Since then, the county has unfortunately experienced significant flood events in 2012, 2014 and the winter of 2019/2020 as well as localised flooding incidents. Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, including flooding. It is more important than ever that we are all prepared to cope with flooding.
The County and District Councils, Environment Agency and Highways have undertaken a considerable amount of work and financial investment to reduce the risk of flooding, including improved highways drainage schemes and new flood alleviation projects and will continue to do so.
Gloucestershire County Council spends a minimum of £2.1 million annually on flood resilience and management.
The Environment Agency estimates that the average cost of flooding to a house is around £30,000 as well as the impacts to your mental health.
Whilst the risk of flooding can be reduced, it cannot be prevented entirely. However, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to make sure we are prepared before a flood happens.
This Flood Guide has been designed to be easily navigable and contains information about how to prepare for flooding and what to do during and after a flood.