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.