Flood Action Week: Sussex emergency services share essential tips

As part of Flood Action Week, West Sussex County Council has encouraged residents to take simple steps to reduce the impact of flooding.

Both Mid Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue service have shared the information to prepare locals if severe weather does affect the county this winter.

West Sussex County Council have produced an online flood guide which provides practical advice on how to prepare, what to do during a flood and where to find support afterwards.

The guidance highlights how to prepare homes, businesses and communities, in case a flood does break out.

Flood action week 2026 falls in the anniversary of the Lewes floods, where the River Ouse burst its banks after days of intense rain on October 12, 2000. Over 600 homes and 300 businesses were flooded in a few hours and more than 180 residents had to sleep in emergency accommodation. Despite the damages costing around £118 million, nobody died but livestock was lost and many affected businesses did not open again.

In 2012/13, severe flooding affected areas across West Sussex and Operation Watershed was created. The programme helps to repair and improve drainage ditches, fix flood damage to roads and aims to make homes, businesses and roads more resilient to flooding.

Operation Watershed has helped local communities deliver nearly 500 projects and West Sussex County Council has provided almost £6 million in funding and worked with nearly 180 community groups.

The information provided by WSCC can be used across Sussex and highlights who to contact if flooding does occur, such as the environmental agency and district/borough councils.

To access information provided by Sussex officials, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/preparing-for-emergencies.