Flood Emergencies
If you are worried about flooding you should check flood warnings and follow advice on Gov.uk
Flooding Emergency: What Should I Do?
If it’s an emergency and there is a risk to life then call the emergency services on 999, ask for the Fire and Rescue Service. The Lead Local Flood Authority at Milton Keynes City Council does not provide emergency flood help.
- Find out how to get help during the flood: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood/get-help-during-a-flood.
- Use this handy five-step guide to help you in the event of a flood emergency: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/highways/road-gullies-and-flooding/handy-five-step-guide-event-flood-emergency
- Visit Milton Keynes City Council website for details of what to do in a flood emergency: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/highways/road-gullies-and-flooding/flooding
- Find out about Flood Alerts for your area: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/
- Look at the Environment Agency guidance on how to prepare for a flood, where to go for help during and after flooding, find out if you are at risk, improve the protection of your property and get advice about insurance: https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding
Reporting flooding
If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please call Milton Keynes City Council Customer Services on 01908 252353. Their phone lines are open from 09:00 – 5:15 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and 10:00 – 5:15 on Wednesdays. Out of hours emergency telephone: 01908 226699.
Flood Alerts & Warnings
The Environment Agency
The Environment Agency encourage people to take heed of all flood alerts and flood warnings, and to call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if they have any concerns. Visit www.gov.uk/check-flooding for current flood alerts and warnings and to check river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels in your area.
Government
Register to receive Flood Warnings direct to your mobile phone or email from GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
Additionally, you can also:
• Check your flooding risk using River Surface water maps: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-risk-maps-for-surface-water-how-to-use-the-map and Reservoir maps: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reservoir-flood-maps-when-and-how-to-use-them.
• Check the Met Office website for flood warnings: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/guides/flood-warnings
Flood Management
If you live in an area at risk of flooding you can create a personal flood plan to help prepare yourself in the eventuality that a flood should occur: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-flood-plan.
Check the National Flood Forum advice and information on all aspects of flooding: https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
Stony Stratford Community Flood Plan
After the December 2020 flooding, Stony Stratford Town Council committed to producing a community flood plan. A working group was set up with residents, councillors and the Town Clerk. After delays, due to Covid-19 and lack of wardens, the first Community Flood Plan was published on 26th March 2024. In the event of a flood, the emergency services have overall command, however the community can still take part in supporting those at risk of flooding, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Stony Stratford Community Flood Plan Objectives:
- To define the roles and responsibilities of all personal before, during and after a flooding event.
- To warn and inform the local community and other stakeholders before, during and after a flooding event.
- To provide support to all town residents, in particular those who are deemed vulnerable, before, during and after a flooding event.
- To work with Milton Keynes Council and other agencies, to ensure that Stony Stratford is represented in the wider multi-agency response to flooding.
- To work in conjunction with other relevant services. To provide signposting, advice and guidance to all residents and stakeholders in the case of flood events.
How does the plan work?
- In the event of a flood warning, the Flood Coordinator (FC) will liase with partner organisations including Milton Keynes Council, the Environment Agency and other services.
- If needed, the Flood coordinator can coordinate the response from flood wardens and volunteers, using local information to direct volunteer resources towards those most in need. For example, where a resident needs help installing flood defences to their home while their neighbours are not home to help.
- Community flood plans are about utilising community support and knowledge.
You can view a copy of the Stony Stratford Flood Plan here: Stony Stratford flood plan.pdf
View a copy of the Community Flood Plans Information Sheet.
Environment Agency Threshold Survey of properties identified as potentially being at risk of flooding
In 2024, the Environment Agency undertook threshold surveys of properties identified as potentially being at risk of river flooding in Stony Stratford. Threshold surveys are used to establish the levels of doors, air bricks, air vents, and damp proof course, and determine if the properties have cellars/basements. The survey involves undertaking a visual inspection of the outside of the property and taking notes and photos as required. The threshold information helps the Environment Agency to assess the level of flood risk and inform any future investigations that look at ways to improve flood risk management.
If your property was surveyed, you would have received a letter informing you prior to the survey being undertaken. The results of the survey are now available and should you wish a copy for your property please email:
[email protected]. Please note that it may take up to 20 working days for a response.