What to do during a flood emergency
Parts of Richmond are at risk of flooding from the River Crane, Beverley Brook and the River Thames. If you find yourself involved in an emergency, try to remain calm.
Who to contact
During a flooding event, if you are vulnerable or feel that lives are at risk, contact the emergency services on 999 for immediate assistance and rescue.
If the issue is urgent but not life threatening, contact us by phone on 020 8891 7999 (24/7).
You can contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, and Thames Water on 0800 316 9800.
What to do
During a flood you should:
- Keep up to date about the weather and risks to your property using radio, TV, web or social media
- If your home has been flooded, move your family and pets upstairs or to a high place with a means of escape. Take your emergency grab bag with you
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies before flood water enters your property (if it is safe to do so)
Visit GOV.UK for more information:
During a flood you should not:
- Travel in heavy rainstorms unless absolutely necessary
- Drive through flooded roads or areas
- Touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
- Enter your home if there is raw sewage in it – stay somewhere else until it has been cleaned
- Walk through flooded areas – even shallow water moving fast can sweep you off your feet. There may be hidden dangers such as open drains, damaged road surfaces, submerged debris or deep channels
- Use towpaths
Report flooding
More information on how to report flooding depending on the type of flood:
- Surface water flooding:
- If water is pooling on a public road, report an issue with a drain or call 020 8891 7999
- If you think the flooding is related to the Thames Water network, report a problem to Thames Water or call 0800 316 9800
- Sewers: If you notice a burst pipe or water bubbling up from under the road or pavement, report sewer flooding to Thames Water or call 0800 316 9800
- Rivers and watercourses:
- Use the Environment Agency’s map to check if it is a main river
- Main rivers: report blockages by calling the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60
- Ordinary watercourses: report instances of flooding
- Groundwater flooding: call 020 8891 7999 (24/7) to report water emerging through the ground
- Canals: The Canal and River Trust is responsible. For non-emergencies call 0303 040 4040
- For emergencies, call the 24-hour number on 0800 47 999 47
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Up to: Flooding
Updated: 02 July 2026
