What to do in a flood

If you are in immediate danger of flood water now, call 999.

If your home has been flooded, once you are safe you can call the council for support on 020 8854 8888.

Local flood risk

This is the risk of flooding caused by:

  • surface water runoff (usually water flowing over the ground during and immediately after intense rainfall)
  • groundwater (water below ground rising and coming to the surface)
  • and ordinary water courses (for example streams and ditches being at full capacity).

Download the flood risk assessment for Royal Greenwich

Properties at risk

You can check if your property is at risk of flooding from rivers or their tributaries by using the Floodline Warnings Direct service or by contacting the Environment Agency.

If you are at risk, register to receive free warnings of potential flooding from the Floodline Warnings Direct service. You can choose how you want to receive these warnings:

  • to your landline
  • by text to your mobile
  • by email
  • or a combination of all or some of these options.

If your property is at imminent risk of flooding:

  • protect doorways and low level air vents with floor boards, sandbags or rubbish bags filled with earth 
  • turn off gas and electricity if safe to do so
  • move as much as you can, including food, upstairs.

If you are trapped by flooding, remain near a window to attract attention:

  • call Floodline at the Environment Agency for warnings and information
  • check on your neighbours, particularly those who are elderly or infirm
  • be prepared to be evacuated from your property by the emergency services.

Plan and prepare - residential, commercial and community properties 

Read more about flash flooding