Flooding advice

Blockages in the rivers and burns

Rubbish dumped in rivers and burns can cause blockages and make flooding worse. If you see rubbish dumped, please call the Environmental Wardens on 529 3030. Contact Clarence on 0800 23 23 23 to report a blocked bridge or culvert.

Police updates

During a flood alert, the police will use local radio news bulletins on Forth One 97.3 FM and Forth Two 1548 AM to keep you informed.

Floodwater

Take extra care if you have to cross deep or fast flowing floodwater which can hide other dangers. Floodwater can be contaminated and dangerous to health.

Don't allow pets to drink it or play in it and wash your hands if you come into contact with the water. Call 0131 529 3030 if you are worried about contamination or any other concerns.

Temporary flood defences

The Council will provide temporary barriers and sandbag walls to protect vulnerable areas during flood alerts. DO NOT REMOVE these. You may be putting lives and properties at risk.

After we have built these we will be able to provide sandbags for individual premises. This will be arranged by the flood co-ordinator.

Sandbags

If you live in an area prone to flooding and are the property owner, we advise you to make arrangements to protect your property by having your own sandbags ready. You can buy these from any builder's merchant. It is best to store hessian sandbags unfilled and in a waterproof area, as the hessian will rot and may only last around four months when filled.

Electricity

Switch off your electricity supply at the fuse box and your water supply at the mains in the eventof a flood (make sure you can easily identify where these are).

Insurance queries

The Association of British Insurers has given a commitment to continue to provide flood insurance to domestic properties and small businesses until July 2012.

If you have flood damaged items, please contact your insurance company. If they say you can throw them out, you may contact the Council's rapid response service on 0808 100 3366 (0830-1700). Priority will be given to collection of flood damaged items. Contact the Council's advice shop on 0131 225 1255 during business hours if you are unsure about what to do.

Structural concerns

If you are concerned that structures such as walls and buildings are unsafe as a result of flood damage or that the flood has caused some other safety problem, call 200 2000 with details of the problem and location. Our staff will then inspect the damage.

Concern for the community

Please be a good neighbour and keep an eye on people around you, particularly older people, and people with disabilities or with young children. If they need help and support, call Emergency Social Work and Homecare Services on 0800 731 6969.