Flooding

Flooding update - May 2024

Cllr John Shoesmith has written the update below to give a further progress report following the flooding experienced in Duffield in October 2023.

Flooding in Duffield - October 2023

The Parish Council has recently been active in looking at the causes of the recent flooding event in Duffield in October and has been working with partners to look at ways to improve things going forward.

Please see the report linked below written by Parish Councillor John Shoesmith to find out more about this.

Derbyshire County Council have recently (January 2024) put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions on flooding with some useful information about flooding and links to further resources. Read it here

Flooding advice

Flooding is extremely distressing and the Parish Council can help to advise residents with flooding issues if necessary. Contact the Parish Council by email clerk@duffieldparishcouncil.gov.uk or use our messaging form on this website.

You can keep up to date with the local flooding issues and river levels on the Government website Live flood map - Check for flooding - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) or sign up for flood alerts at Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Advice and information on storm related obstructions and road closures can be found on the Derbyshire County Council website Weather related road closures - Derbyshire County Council

Amber Valley Borough Council provides some advice for those experiencing flooding: Flooding (ambervalley.gov.uk)

The National Flood Forum may be able to help or provide advice for anyone affected by flooding: National Flood Forum – A charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding. They also provide advice to those considering installing flood protection devices in their home, see Protecting your property – National Flood Forum

The Environment Agency provides the following advice -

* Move your family and pets to a safe place.

* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Use flood protection equipment, such as flood barriers, air brick covers and pumps to protect your property. Any equipment should be professionally supplied and installed to help reduce the impact of flood water.

* Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items of personal value that you will not be able to replace (such as family photographs). Next move valuables (such as computers), movable furniture and furnishings.

* You may need to leave your property, so pack a bag with enough items for a few nights away. Include essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance information, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.

* Turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies before flood water starts to enter your property. Never touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water.

* If it is safe to do so, make sure neighbours are aware of the situation and offer help to anyone who may need it.

* Listen to the advice of the emergency services and be ready to evacuate your property if told to do so. Most evacuation centres will let you bring your pets.

* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you've been in contact with it.

Sandbags

The Parish Council has a limited supply of (empty) sandbags available to local residents, which can be obtained from Duffield Cemetery on Hazelwood Road if needed. For more information contact the Clerk.

For the EA's advice guide on obtaining and using sandbags, click here.

Riparian Ownership - your responsibilities

If you own land or property next to a river, stream or ditch you are a 'riparian landowner'. This means you have certain responsibilities, which are explained in detail in an Environment Agency guide. Click here to read it.