Flooding

The risks from flooding are an important issue across West Sussex with nearly 28,000 properties threatened from the coast and rivers.

The coastline of the county is generally low-lying with many of our towns and villages located near rivers. As a result we are vulnerable to flooding from the sea, rivers, as well as surface and ground water following heavy rainfall.

Due to climate change the risk of flooding will increase as sea levels rise, winter rainfall increases and flash storms become more frequent.

The County Council has a comprehensive Flood Response Plan that can be activated as soon as the Environment Agency advises widespread flooding is likely.

The plan includes evacuation, setting up rest centres, transport and recovery. However, the responsibility for protecting property from flooding rests with individuals.

The County Council will always help to advise residents and businesses to check whether they are at risk from flooding and to take steps to protect their property.

• Flood warnings
  The Environment Agency uses a warning service to help you prepare for flooding and take action.

• Before flooding
  Make sure you know if your property is at risk and how to prepare for flooding.

• During flooding
  Advice on what to do during flooding, including who issues flood warning and safety advice from the Fire and Rescue Service.

• After flooding
  Help and advice on what to do after a flood.

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