Flooding

For the latest information on any disruption caused by flooding see Roadworks & Closures.

Flooding can happen suddenly and with little warning. Even if your area hasn’t flooded before, you don’t live near a river or you stay in a flat above ground level, you could still experience:

• Blocked roads
• Disrupted or cancelled transport services
• School and community facility closures
• Utilities being shut off
• Difficulties reaching family and friends who rely on you

Legally, property owners are responsible for their land and property. Residents are expected to take reasonable measures to safeguard and insure themselves against all hazards including flooding.

Different organisations have specific roles to play in flood management. Responsibilities for flooding can be found HERE.

What is Fife Council doing to manage flood risk?

• We investigate the causes of flooding, provide advice and carry out appropriate measures to reduce the risk of reoccurrence
• We assess and maintain watercourses as specified under Sections 18 and 59 of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009
• We may be able to supply sandbags if you are at immediate risk of flooding. When demand is high, we will prioritise properties considered greatest risk.  You can buy (empty) sandbags at most DIY stores
• We employ out-of-hours staff to help local people particularly those who are vulnerable, and support emergency responders to lessen the impact of severe flooding
• We monitor weather conditions and raise awareness of flood risk, automatically alerting out-of-hours staff and key groups to rising water levels

KNOW WHO TO CONTACT

To report a non-emergency flood on the road, you can do this online at the Fife Council Road Faults page. 

Up-to-the-minute information is also available from SEPA or via Floodline (0345 988 11 88).

There are plenty of other ways to stay informed. Find the latest advice:

• Online
  • www.fife.gov.uk/winter
  • www.fife.gov.uk/flooding
• Social media
  • facebook.com/fifecouncil
  • twitter.com/fifecouncil
• Radio
  • Kingdom FM (95.2 & 96.1),
  • Forth One (97.3)
  • Tay FM (96.4 & 102.8)
• Phone
  • 03451 55 11 99 (closure updates)
  • 03451 55 00 99 (to report out-of-hours emergencies)

If you are at immediate risk of flooding contact us on 03451 55 00 11, option 4 (Roads and Transportation).

Remember, telephone lines to the emergency services and Fife Council will be extremely busy during a flooding emergency. Only phone them if you really need to.

If there is evidence of sewage, please call the Scottish Water emergency line on 0845 601 88 55.

Related Publications

• Flooding Guide A5