Flooding

Although there are no major rivers running through Thanet, coastal flooding is a concern, particularly in Margate Old Town, Cliffs End and Birchington. To find out the chance of flooding in your area, visit the Environment Agency's Flood Maps.

Even if you don’t live in a flood risk area, flash flooding can happen when there is very heavy rainfall and/or problems with water mains or sewers, so it pays to be prepared.

The latest flood alerts for our area are on the Environment Agency’s website

The areas to check are:

• Coastal areas from Swalecliffe to Pegwell Bay
• The coast from Seasalter to Minnis Bay

You can also call the Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

The Environment Agency’s website also contains information about the measures you can take to prepare for flooding. It’s worth reading these before you get a flood alert, so that you know exactly what action you should take to stay safe, should the worst happen.

Simple precautions you can take if you live in a flood risk area in advance include:

• Having some plywood, sandbags or metal sheeting in the house that can be used to cover doors, windows and airbricks.
• Checking that you know where to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains.
• Ensuring that all sentimental items, such as family photo albums, that cannot be replaced are stored upstairs.
• Putting all your important personal documents, like passports, birth and wedding certificates, in a sealed bag and keeping them in a location clear of floodwater.
• Thinking about where you could move your car to in the event of a flood.
• Keeping a list of useful numbers to hand, including numbers for Floodline, the Council, emergency services and your insurance company.

Tel: 01843 577083