Fife flooding: Council issues gives to homes at risk - and advice to protect property

Fife Council has issued new advice on how to stay safe and protect their homes.

It also confirmed no properties were flooded last night despite some heavy rainfall - but weather warnings remain in place across the region.

Council teams have delivered sandbags to communities where flood risks are well known, and it has urged all householders to be prepared.

Ken Gourlay, head of assets, transportation and environment, said: “We're doing all we can to minimise the risk of further flooding, clearing gullies and drains, checking water levels, and shoring up any weak points.

“Extra sandbags have been delivered and flooding pods have been restocked."

On Friday night, the council supplied residents in Kinglassie, Cardenden, Freuchie Mill and Strathmiglo with sandbags last night as water levels rose.

There were also reports of flooding in Cairneyhill and Culross and some roads have been closed.

Work is underway to clear a landslip at Dura Den.

Added Mr Gourlay: "Our officers will be monitoring high risk areas over the weekend and into next week while the weather warnings continue."

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> Advice:

If you are at immediate risk of flooding, and you need help and support contact Fife Council between 8am and 6pm on 03451 55 00 11, option 4 (Roads and Transportation), or 03451 55 00 99 to report out-of-hours emergencies.

Up-to-the-minute information from SEPA at www.sepa.org.uk/floodinghttp://www.sepa.org.uk/flooding

Floodline service: 0345 988 11 88.

Evidence of sewage, call Scottish Water emergency line 0845 601 88 55.

Preparation

Know how to shut off power, gas and water supplies to your property.

Keep a list of useful contact numbers and check your home and motor insurance policies provide adequate cover for flood damage.

Call emergency services if you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of others.

If water is coming into your property use a bucket or large bowl to collect the water and contain it as much as possible with towels.

If your ceiling is bulging with water, try piercing a small hole in the bubble to release the water until a more permanent repair can be carried out. Remember to place a bucket or basin underneath the hole to collect the water.

If water is coming through a light fitting, leave it alone, and call an electrician to isolate the electricity to the light.

If drains are overflowing in your street, call Fife Council on 03451 55 00 11 or report it online at www.fife.gov.uk/roadfaults

If a whole street is under water and every property is affected, contact the Fife Fire & Rescue Service.

If you need sandbags - If a property is at immediate risk of flooding the public can contact the council on 03451 55 00 11 and they will be delivered. Sandbags can also be bought at most DIY stores.

Residents in flood-risk areas can access council-provided flood pods and use the flood sacks inside to protect their homes. Flood pods are discreet black boxes - like small sheds. These contain flood ‘sacks’ and flood ‘snakes’. These pods are located where required for communities to use.

Residents should check that their insurance policy provides adequate cover, including building replacement, structural repairs and full contents including personal valuables.

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