It is only under certain weather conditions in the Atlantic and the northern North Sea that the tide will cause the river to overtop its banks. However we all need to be prepared in the event that the weather changes in such a way that it adds to the water levels in the river.

Officers from the Police, Borough Council, Fire Service, Environment Agency, Ambulance Service and County Council meet annually to make sure the emergency plans to manage a tidal flood are up to date and appropriate.

What do you need to do:-

• Ensure you have a plan should it be necessary for you to leave your house.

• Can you make your own arrangements to stay with friends or family or will you need to go to a rest centre.

• Ensure your building and contents insurances are up to date.  Make sure you know where the papers are, and the telephone numbers to phone the insurer(s) to get help.

• Make sure your personal papers, passports, birth and marriage certificates and special photographs are stored safely as high as they can be placed.

• Make sure you turn your battery powered radio to a local radio station – this is how we’ll keep you informed.

• If you hear the siren, this is not a warning, it means that the situation is severe – listen to the radio and follow advice from the Emergency Services.

• Put a few things together – a personal wash kit and tooth brush, medicines and tablets, mobile phone and torch – wear appropriate “easy dress” clothes.

• What about your pet?

• When you leave lock your doors and windows and keep your keys and credit cards with you.

• Remember listen to local radio to keep informed.

The Emergency Services will be doing all they can, prioritising help to those in the greatest need.

Find out more...

• Read our online frequently asked questions and answers about flooding.

• Flooding - General advice

• More on Inland flooding.

• Agencies to contact in the event of a flood.

• Sandbags - General advice

• Where are the sand stores in the Borough?