What to do in the event of a flood: Your guide to who you should call
If it is an emergency and there is a danger to life as a result of flooding you should not hesitate to call 999.
To report flooding of the highway and blocked drains contact Devon County Council’s Highway Customer Service Centre on 0345 155 1004 or visit the Flooding and Drainage pages.
Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturdays 9am – 1pm. For emergencies outside of these hours call 01392 383329.
For any flooding on major trunk roads (the M5, A30, A38, A35 and A303) contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 (24 hours service).
To report flooding from sewers and water pipes contact South West Water on 0344 346 2020 (24 hours service).
For advice and enquiries about flood warnings contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 (24 hours service).
For general queries about main river or flooding from the sea contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or 0345 988 1188 or visit www.gov.uk/environment-agency.
Sandbag policies in Devon
In the first instance of local flooding and for sandbag requests contact your local district or parish council flood warden to determine the availability of sandbags in your area.
East Devon District Council
East Devon District Council does not provide sandbags directly to householders. If you require sandbags please contact your town or parish council, who then put in a request to East Devon District Council each year for unfilled sandbags. Householders should take steps prior to severe weather events to be prepared for flooding, you can find helpful information on the East Devon website.
Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council does not provide sandbags to householders. Sandbags and sand can be obtained from local builders merchants.
Mid Devon District Council
Mid Devon District Council does not provide sandbags for flood protection/householders are encouraged to think ahead about how best to protect your property in the event of flooding and make suitable arrangements. If sandbags are required in the case of imminent flooding please contact your town/parish council in the first instance or, if you can, obtain sandbags and sand from a local builders merchant.
North Devon Council
North Devon Council does not provide sandbags to individuals. Some town and parish councils may decide to maintain a limited stock of sandbags. For more information visit the North Devon Council webpage.
South Hams District Council
South Hams District Council does not provide sandbags for flood protection/householders. Property owners will need to purchase their own sandbags if required. If your property is considered to be at risk then you should contact local builders merchants to obtain supplies well in advance.
Teignbridge District Council
There are a number of satellite stores run by parish and town council, residents are recommended to contact them in the first instance. Alternatively, residents can contact Teignbridge District Council on 01626 361101 or during out of hours 01395 516854 for any enquiries regarding sandbags. The district’s supply is limited and demand may exceed supply. If sandbags are unavailable unfilled sandbags and a supply of sand can be obtained from most DIY stores and Builders Merchants. Further information can be found at: Drainage – Sandbag collection – Teignbridge District Council.
*Note: these sandbags are only available to Teignbridge residents
Torridge District Council
Torridge District Council does have aqua sacs available which can be purchased during office hours from Riverbank House, Bideford. Sandbags can be obtained from most builders merchants or DIY store.
West Devon Borough Council
West Devon Borough Council does not provide sandbags to residents. Property owners will need to purchase their own sandbags if required. If your property is considered to be at risk then you should contact local builders merchants to obtain supplies well in advance.
How to contact us
For all other flooding enquiries contact Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management Team on 0345 155 1015 or email floodrisk@devon.gov.uk.
Flood Risk Management
Room 120
County Hall
Topsham Road
Exeter
EX2 4QD