Flooding can happen quickly. Preparing now can protect your home, your belongings, and your family.

What to do in a flooding emergency

Water is coming into your home

Collect the water in buckets and use towels to stop it spreading.

You need sandbags

If flooding is about to enter your property, for example water reaching your doorstep, call us. We will deliver sandbags to you if we can. This depends on sandbags and drivers being available. We cannot guarantee to meet every request.

We expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your own property. You can buy empty sandbags at most DIY stores. Some areas of Fife also have flood pods stocked with flood sacks.

Drains are overflowing in your street

Call us on the numbers above or report a road fault. Emergencies are dealt with as soon as possible. If the water is not blocking traffic or flooding a home or garden, we will attend within 10 working days.

You can see sewage

Call the Scottish Water emergency line on 0800 077 8778.

Your whole street is flooded

Call the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999.

Your ceiling is bulging with water

If it's safe and well away from any light fittings, make a small hole in the ceiling to drain the water into a bucket or basin. This is a temporary fix until a proper repair can be made.

Water is coming through a light fitting

Do not touch it. Call an electrician to switch off the electricity to the light.

Keep yourself safe

Safety comes first. During a flood:

• do not take unnecessary risks
• call 999 if you're worried about your own safety or someone else's, and follow any advice given
• avoid touching flood water as it may contain sewage and other pollutants
• do not walk, drive or swim through flood water, as there may be hidden dangers under the surface
• stay off sea defences, riverbanks, and bridges during extreme weather
• keep away from power lines and electrical wires

Get ready before a flood

As a homeowner or tenant, you are the first line of defence against flooding. Property owners are responsible for protecting and insuring their own homes and businesses.

Our flooding advice leaflet tells you what to put in a flood emergency kit, along with other advice.

Steps you can take now:

• put together an emergency kit and make a flood plan, so everyone in your household knows what to do
• find out how to shut off power, gas and water to your home
• keep a list of useful phone numbers
• check that your home and car insurance covers for flood damage
• think about flood resilience when you carry out home improvements
• fit flood protection products such as airbrick covers or flood barriers, and practice putting them in place
• apply for the Property Flood Resilience Grant to help pay for flood protection for your home or business

Find out about flood risk in your area

• check SEPA flood maps to see whether your community is at risk. The map shows risk at community level, not for individual properties
• sign up to Floodline for free flood alerts and warnings by text, email, or phone, or call them on 0345 988 1188
• visit the Scottish Flood Forum for advice on flood protection products and making your property more resilient
• Ready Scotland provides help to communities to prepare for emergencies
• Scottish Government - managing flood risk
• Public Health Scotland - protecting your health during and after flooding

Flooding can affect your mental and physical wellbeing, whatever your age.Take care of yourself and check on neighbours who may need help.