Sandbags
If you live in a known flood risk area, you should adopt a 'self-help' approach and prepare in advance and respond to forecasts or flood warnings.
Sandbags can provide limited protection for a short period of time but need to be installed correctly and used with plastic sheeting.
How to purchase sandbags
You can buy sandbags and sand to protect your property from flooding at local builders merchants or larger DIY stores.
Or purchase purpose-designed flood protection products which can be more effective than sandbags.
Help from your local council
Your local borough or district council may be able to supply sandbags to residents in vulnerable conditions. However sandbags are limited and councils cannot guarantee that they will be delivered in time or in sufficient quantity to prevent or reduce damage to property.
Sandbags from local councils are not provided to protect garages, garden sheds, outbuildings or gardens. Find out when your local council will help residents and how you can contact them in an emergency below: