Mid Beds Flood Team

Much work has been done to ensure that when flooding occurs, the agencies who need to know are told as soon as possible – not after the event. Mid Beds would ask residents to report flooding as soon as they see it by calling 08452 304040 or 0800 212462 out of hours. That message will be entered into a database for investigation, and passed onto the Emergency Services, as well as the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Board and Anglian Water.

On confirmation of that information, staff have been trained to post details onto the Mid Beds website (during normal working hours at the moment) so everybody knows the extent of the flooding, whether a route may be impassable, and what is being done about it.

Mid Beds Dc will not only be receiving information from members of the public and partner agencies, but will also be pro-actively investigating flooding around the district. Mid Beds DC has trained and equipped staff to be the eyes and ears of the council, and collect data on the way in which the flooding has occurred to see if anything could be done to prevent it in the future.

Because they may be working close to the river, they have been equipped with Drysuits and Life Jackets – but they should not be confused with the Emergency Services!  They are not trained to rescue people and if somebody had fallen into the water they would call 999 just as any other member of public should.

They will be out and about during flooding though, making contact with Town and Parish councils to pick up on problems. They will be able to send through live pictures to the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum so that they have a picture of what is going on, and will look to warn people who did not receive or heed the Environment Agency warnings.

After flooding has occurred they will visit affected areas regularly to provide advice and guidance for residents who have been flooded. They may be able to help, providing evidence for Insurance claims, or just give guidance on how to clean up a flooded house safely. 

The caabilities of the council to work safely around water does not take away responsibility from the householder.  Efforts will be concentrated on those in the community who cannot help themselves. It is every house holders responsibility to do what they can themselves, so that valuable resources are not taken away from those who really need them.  View more information on how YOU can 'Get ready'.