What to do during a flood emergency

Wandsworth is the largest inner London borough. It is a safe place to live and work, but emergencies can occur. If you find yourself involved in an emergency, try to remain calm.  

Who to contact

During a flooding event, if you are vulnerable or feel that lives are at risk, contact the emergency services on 999 for immediate assistance and rescue. 

If the issue is urgent but not life threatening, please contact us by phone on 020 8871 8999 (24/7). 

You can contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, and Thames Water on 0800 316 9800. 

What to do  

During a flood you should: 

  • Keep up to date about the weather and risks to your property using radio, TV, web, or social media 
  • If your home has been flooded, move your family and pets upstairs, or to a high place with a means of escape, take your emergency grab bag with you 
  • Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your property (if it's safe to do so) 

Visit GOV.UK website for more information on:

During a flood you should not: 

  • Travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary 
  • Drive through flooded roads or areas
  • Touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water 
  • Enter your home if there is raw sewage in it - stay somewhere else until it has been cleaned 
  • Walk through flooded areas - even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet, there may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels - these can cause serious injuries or even death 
  • Use towpaths 

Report flooding

More information on how to report flooding depending on the type of flood:

  • Surface water flooding: Report a street problem or 020 8891 7999 (24/7)
  • Sewers: Report sewer flooding to Thames Water or call them on 0800 316 9800 
  • Water supply pipes: For advice in these situations visit your water supplier website:
  • Main rivers: If you notice a blockage or tree on a main river which is causing risk of flooding, call the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60
  • Groundwater flooding: Call 020 8891 7999 (24/7) to report water emerging through the ground and causing flooding in extreme circumstances
  • Canals: The Canal and River Trust is responsible for the canals. For non-emergency related matters, call them on 0303 040 4040
  • For emergencies, call the 24-hour number on 0800 47 999 47

Up to Flooding

Updated: 11/12/2023