Message from the Environment Agency with regard to recent/upcoming wet weather:
Please remind your communities to report flooding to us as soon as they can if their home or business has flooded. We understand it is a difficult time when people are affected by flooding however, we would encourage those affected to report property flooding as close to the event as possible: https://www.gov.uk/report-flood-cause Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60
Reporting flooding helps us to understand the impacts on properties or communities and prioritise our response. By gathering information, specific issues impacting residents and communities are identified and recurring issues highlighted. The evidence from flood reporting is crucial in planning effective maintenance and justifying business cases for potential long-term solutions.
Once affected residents are able, we ask that they please submit a full report to floodreport.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/. This tool is available for residents across Wessex (the service is hosted by Dorset Council but is available for other local authority areas). The information provided is then shared with the risk management authorities to ensure it goes to the correct organisation depending on the source and impact of flooding. If the portal opens on the wrong FORT region, don’t worry, you will be redirected when you identify a property affected.
Businesses Many businesses have also been affected by flooding, with impacts not only on property but on livelihoods and the wider community. Flood Mary has produced a Business Flood Handbook, and The Flood Hub also has resources about business resilience and recovery.