Primarily it’s your responsibility to look after your own property. The emergency services, local authorities and public utility services will try to help where they can. When flooding is confined to a few isolated incidents they will assist with providing sandbags and possibly with pumping. However, with widespread and serious flooding their first priority will be lifesaving.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

In flooding circumstances Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service only have a duty for rescue. They have limited resources and there is often little they can do once the rescue phase is over. For example when a building is flooded and floodwaters are still high outside, there is no point at all in pumping water out. Where they do provide pumping they will probably charge to cover the cost of the appliance and crew.

Bucks County Council

In flooding situations Bucks County Council are responsible for keeping the roads and road drainage clear (not all roads, however, - some may be the responsibility of the Highways Agency or private owners) and for looking after the elderly, infirm and vulnerable.

Aylesbury Vale District Council

Principal responsibilities are for homelessness, we will help re-house people made homeless; for waste collection, we will take away soiled carpets and furnishings after a flood; and for environmental health.

Date Published: 28/03/08