Flood warnings and planning
Although they are very rare, floods can happen in Hackney and their impact can be devastating.
This section of our website lets you find out how at risk from flooding your home or business is and sign up to alerts to make sure you're informed of high risk days. You'll also find a list of simple steps you can take that can reduce the impact of flooding.
Just follow the links below to find out about floods and how to be prepared for one.
- How dangerous is flooding?
- What causes flooding?
- What could happen if there is a flood near me?
- How will I know if flooding is likely?
- How can I be prepared for flooding, and what can I do in the event of a flood?
- Preliminary flood risk assessment for Hackney
- Useful resources and websites
How dangerous is flooding?
- Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock an adult off their feet.
- Just two feet of water can float your car.
- Flood water may contain pollutants and can even be contaminated with raw sewage.
- Fallen electricity cables can cause electric shocks as the current passes through water.
- Submerged obstacles, lifted drain and inspection covers create dangerous underwater hazards.
What causes flooding?
Below you will find information about the main types of floods that could affect you and their causes.
River / fluvial flooding
This caused when the volume of water in a river is increased above that which it can hold. The River Lea puts Hackney at risk of fluvial flooding - to find out if you are at risk of flooding from the River Lea please see the Environment Agency's web pages about flooding. Alternatively call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
Flash / surface water flooding
This is caused by unusually heavy rainfall, which creates a greater volume of water than a drainage system has been designed to cope with. Low lying areas of ground will be affected first. Blockages in the drainage system can increase the likelihood and severity of this type of flooding.
Burst water main floods
This type of flooding is caused by burst water main pipes. It is more likely to happen during freezing winter months. You can report a burst water main to Thames Water online or call their Leakline on 0800 714 614.
Reservoir Flooding
This can be caused by a failure or breech in a reservoir. Although it is very rare, it can happen with little or no warning and you may need to evacuate immediately. If you live near a reservoir you need to know what to do in case of an emergency - you can find out more about this on the Environment Agency's web pages about resevoirs.
What could happen if there is a flood near me?
- Evacuation / de-housing. This could possibly be long term if your property has been flooded.
- Lack of access. Road closures due to flooding may disable or inhibit your route to key locations such as grocery shops, GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools or your place of work.
- Loss of utilities. A flood can cause utilities to fail - for example running water, electricity, gas or telephone lines. This may affect properties which aren't flooded - for example, high rise flats / tower blocks.
- Loss of life/ injuries. People can become trapped in their homes or cars (people in basement flats are at a much higher risk of becoming trapped).
- Pollution. A flood in your area can cause tap water to be deemed unsafe to drink.
- Structural damage. Flood water can cause buildings, bridges and other structures to be deemed unsafe.
- Huge financial and emotional trauma - the contents of your property could suffer irreversible flood damage.
How will I know if flooding is likely?
The Environment Agency and The Met Office offer free flood warning updates. You can receive them by following the below links:
During periods of heavy rain or severe weather you can monitor local weather reports either on the television, radio (LBC 97.3FM) or the internet.
How can I be prepared for flooding, and what can I do in the event of a flood?
For advice on preparing yourself and your home for a flood, you can:
- read our 'What do before, during and after a flood' information
- download the Environment Agency's guide about dealing with flooding.
For information on how to prepare your business, please see the Environment Agency's advice on flooding for businesses.
Preliminary flood risk assessment for Hackney
Local flood planning work, which is part of the Greater London Authority's overall Drain London project, aims to understand what causes flooding, where it may represent a risk and how boroughs can manage the risk and the impact on residents and businesses.
A preliminary flood risk assessment for the borough is now available:
The Council has collected data from local and national sources including within the borough, the Environment Agency, Thames Water, emergency services and other risk management authorities such as Transport for London, in order to develop a clear overall understanding of the flood risks across Hackney.
The preliminary document includes maps showing areas at risk of flooding and aims to provide the best information available to allow residents and businesses to be better prepared and make informed choices.
While the production of maps indicating flood risk areas does not cause flooding, or mean it will definitely happen, under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Flood Risk Regulations (2009) it is the responsibility of the Council to give a general indication of risk areas. Also to provide information and advice on how everyone can reduce the risk to themselves and their property.
Useful resources and websites
National Flood Forum
A charity run by people who have experienced the trauma, loss and frustration that accompany flooding and provides support and advice to communities and individuals that have been flooded or are at risk of flooding. See www.floodforum.org.uk/
Environment Agency
It's the Environment Agency's job to make people aware of flooding from rivers and the sea, provide flood warning services and build and maintain flood defences. See http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/
Hackney Council
The Council is responsible for the gullies (road drains) which collect the water running off roads and pavements. Find out who to contact in the council about flooding on the highway.
Thames Water
Thames Water provide water services in Hackney. Follow the below links to their website to:
- find out what to do if you have problems with drains or sewers
- check the condition/ quality of your tap / drinking water.
Health Protection Agency
The Health Protection Agency provides practical and health advice for managing in the home with disrupted or no mains water. Read their advice about coping without mains water or visit their website at www.hpa.org.uk.
Emergency Planning Services
Hackney Council's Emergency Planning services can help you prepare for a flood and other emergencies. Call 020 8356 3000 to speak to a member of staff about flooding.
Page updated: 23 Jan 2012
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