While we can’t prepare for every type of emergency there are some known risks. Ask yourself if you know what to do if they happen?

Flooding

Bexley is at risk from the following:

• tidal flooding from the River Thames in the north of the borough
• fluvial flooding from our other main rivers, the Cray and the Shuttle
• surface water or pluvial flooding when the drainage systems cannot cope with the quantity of rain which can occur anywhere
• groundwater flooding which can happen when the level of water within the rock or soil that makes up the land surface (known as the water table) rises

You can check whether your home or organisation is in a flood risk area by contacting the Environment Agency ‘Floodline’ on 0845 988 1188 or visit GOV.UK - Find out if you're at risk of flooding.

If your property is in a flood risk area we recommend that you sign up for their free flood warning service.

• Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (PDF)*
• Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Executive Summary (PDF)*
• Local Strategy Appendix B Action Plan post-consultation (PDF)*

* These files may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format

The following documents are available on request. Please email flooding@bexley.gov.uk

• Local Strategy Appendix C Summary of Consultations
• Local Strategy Appendix D SEA Screening Report
• Local Strategy Appendix E Flood Maps
• Local Strategy Appendix F Equalities Impact Assessment

Power cuts, loss of water or gas supply

The loss of our essential services will disrupt our normal day to day activities. If prolonged, it can be dangerous to those who are vulnerable. The utilities in Bexley all provide information on what we should do when these emergencies occur:

• Power - (UK Power Networks) - If you think you’ll need extra care or support during a power cut then you should sign up to their Priority Services Register
• Water - If you’ll need extra help at the time of an emergency affecting your water supply then you may be able to register this. To find out more visit Priority services
• Gas

Severe weather

Severe weather events are now more common and take many forms. Some give rise to other emergencies, such as rain causing flooding and high winds causing power cuts.

In Bexley we are at risk of any of the severe weather events highlighted by the Met Office, and it is the Met Office that we rely upon for our weather warnings and advice.

For more information about weather warnings visit Met Office - Weather warnings guide.

We urge all residents and businesses to prepare for severe weather by following our advice.

If you want to learn more about the wider risks facing London visit the London Risk Register.

Evacuation advice

If the emergency services ask you to leave your home or business:

• co-operate with the instructions and act immediately
• the main priority is your safety
• you may be asked to go to a reception centre
• if you decide to go elsewhere, such as friends or relatives, please let someone know so that you can be accounted for
• tell the emergency services if you have elderly or disabled neighbours who may need help
• if you have time, take your medicines; warm clothes; any special foods; personal documents; immediate valuables; and any lead and basket for your pet
• make sure you turn off any gas and electricity before you lock up