Advice for severe weather

For the latest flood information, alerts and advice visit the Environment Agency website (opens new window) or visit Surrey County Council's advice on flooding. (opens new window)

The National Flood Forum (opens new window) is a charity supporting those at risk of flooding.

Flooding emergency contact numbers

During office hours, you can contact us on 01483 505050. Outside office hours, please use the following emergency numbers:

• Out of hours emergencies: 01344 949371  
• Flooding and sandbags: 01344 949371  
• Emergency housing repairs (Council tenants): 01483 532122
• Homelessness/emergency housing situations: 01344 949371

What happens if there is flooding?

If there is high water and flooding, we can give you sandbags. Sandbags are at the following locations in Guildford town centre:

1. Fays Passage, Bedford Road
2. Mary Road car park
3. Millbrook car park
4. Millmead Court, Millmead
5. Portsmouth Road car park

We cannot always guarantee sandbags will be available. Please try to make your own flood protection plan if you live in an at-risk area.  Most local builders merchants supply sandbags and sand.  You can also purchase permanent flood protection products for the longer-term. For advice on flood protection, visit the Environment Agency website (opens new window).

There are also other locations where you can find sandbags:

If there is a flood

Do:

✔ Pay attention to the advice of the emergency services and local authority

✔  Switch off electrical and gas appliances at the mains 

✔  Move important items to an upstairs room or a safe, high place on the ground floor

Do not:

✗ Enter the flood water - only six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and there may be hidden hazards 

✗ Drive through flood water - less than two feet can be enough to float a car

✗ Come into contact with flood water - it is often contaminated with sewage and pollution. Wear rubber gloves and boots, and wash thoroughly if you do come into contact with flood water

Storms are the most common cause of damage to people and properties in the UK. Knowing what to do can keep you, your family, and your property safe from severe storms.

Report a tree that's fallen down (opens new window)

Tips for staying safe in severe winds:

• fasten windows, doors, and gates to stop them from being damaged by the wind
• park vehicles in a garage - if this is not possible keep them away from buildings, walls, trees and fences
• if your house has a chimney stack move furniture away from areas directly around it or below it
• stay indoors as much as possible
• avoid driving when possible 
• drive slow and be aware of side winds 
• do not touch any cables that have blown down or are hanging low

Dense fog

When a Met Office fog warning is issued, travel plans may need need to change and driving can be dangerous.

Tips for driving in dense fog include:

• Drive slowly, using only dipped headlights 
• Use your fog lights 
• Beware of freezing fog

Heavy snow and ice

When colder weather is forecasted, make sure you know what to do:

• Avoid travel if possible
• If you must travel - make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch, and a spade in your vehicle
• Let someone know your route if you're driving, and when you expect to arrive
• Take care around gritters
• Slow down - it can take 10 times longer to stop in snow and ice
• Use the highest gear to avoid wheel spin
• Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration. If you start to skip, gently ease off the accelerator, and avoid braking. If braking is necessary, pump the brakes rather than slamming them on
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial

Colder temperatures also mean heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory infections are all much more likely. Keep in touch with vulnerable neighbours, friends and family who may be at risk.

Heat can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, some people are more vulnerable and at risk and need extra care and attention, including:

• The elderly
• Babies and young children
• Those who already have health issues such as a heart problem or breathing difficulties

Tips for coping in a heatwave

• Check the weather forecast so that you're prepared if hot weather is predicted
• Try to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day
• Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 and wear UV sunglasses
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine or drinks high in sugar

For more information, visit:  

NHS Choices (opens new window)

For water saving tips and advice, visit:

Thames Water website (opens new window)