Flooding
Deploying sandbags
We may provide sandbags in an emergency if there is an imminent risk of flooding inside a home or business.
We have limited supplies. If we receive a large number of requests, we will prioritise people who are more vulnerable and properties at higher risk.
When we may provide sandbags
We will only consider requests for sandbags during an emergency, where there is an imminent risk of internal flooding.
Internal flooding means flood water is likely to enter the main living or working areas of a property. Gardens and outbuildings do not count as internal flooding.
We consider each request on a case-by-case basis. We look at apparent vulnerability and the level of risk.
If your property is in imminent danger of internal flooding, you can request sandbags by telephone.
- Telephone: 01793 445500
When we do not provide sandbags
You cannot:
- collect sandbags from our depots
- reserve sandbags before flooding happens
- request sandbags in advance because of a forecast
If you want sandbags as a precaution, you will need to buy them from a local supplier, such as a builders' merchant.
This helps us keep our limited stock for emergency response.
How we manage requests
We do not have a legal duty to provide sandbags. However, we understand that people may expect us to help when flooding is imminent.
We consider requests sympathetically, but we must manage our limited supply so sandbags are available for the highest-risk situations.
Our sandbag stock
We keep a limited stock at our Swindon depot. There is space to store about 500 sandbags on site.
Flooding can be difficult to predict and can change quickly. We aim to respond as quickly as we can, but our supplies may be used up quickly during an emergency.
We cannot accept liability if:
- we are unable to deliver sandbags before flood water enters a property
- the sandbags do not stop the flooding because of the amount of water
After sandbags have been issued
Once sandbags have been issued, they become the property of the occupier or business.
We are not responsible for disposing of contaminated sandbags after a flood. We can give advice on the most appropriate way to dispose of them.
If you have received sandbags during one flood, this does not mean you will get priority during another flood. We consider each request separately.
Severe flood warnings
A severe flood warning means you should prepare to leave your home.
During a major flood, you should contact the emergency services and follow their advice.
Report flooding
You should report incidents of flooding so the right organisation can respond.