West Oxfordshire District Council

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During Flooding

Call emergency services, 999, for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or a risk of serious property or environmental damage.

At your property

move to higher ground or a higher floor
take any medecines you need with you
do not let your children play in flood water, as it can become contaminated with sewage and chemicals
do not smoke, eat or drink whilst in contact with floodwater and always wash your hands in clean water before doing so.
always wash your hands after handling sandbags as they may be contaminated by the flood water.

Outside

Do not use towpaths.
Do not attempt to 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.
Keep an eye on weather reports on local television or radio news channels. Do not travel in heavy rain storms unless absolutely necessary.
Look after neighbours. People have been known to suffer from hypothermia after their homes have become flooded with cold rainwater, even in the summer.

Transports and travel

Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or you may become stranded. For more information visit the RAC and AA websites.

We also recommend you check the following websites for the latest travel and transport information:

Oxfordshire County Council for details of road closures, road openings, other travel and emergency information.
BBC Oxford Travel News for traffic and travel across Oxfordshire.
Stagecoach for local bus services updates.
First Great Western and Chiltern Railways for updates on rail services.

During flooding
In addition to providing sandbags, during periods of flooding, the District Council will support the emergency services (on site where possible).

Our housing services will ensure that emergency shelter is provided and helps those in need of emergency temporary housing.

Environmental health teams are on hand to advise on any issues.

The Council will be keeping residents up to date with information through this website, local radio stations and other media channels.

Keep an eye on river levels and flood warnings through the Environment Agency website.

Oxfordshire County Council, as highways authority, will provide emergency response to flooding by closing roads, setting up diversions and pumping flooded highways.