Frequently Asked Questions

THE ROLE OF SEPA IN FLOODING

Q: Who is responsible for flooding matters in Scotland?
A: SEPA has discretionary powers to implement flood warning schemes, and has provided flood warnings for Scotland since the Agency's formation in 1996.

Q: What is SEPA doing to prevent floods?
A: While flood defences and flood alerts can help to reduce the risk of flooding, floods are natural occurrences and cannot be stopped from happening.

SEPA does not have responsibility for the construction of flood prevention measures. In Scotland flood defences are generally constructed and maintained by Local Authorities and landowners.

SEPA has discretionary powers to implement flood warnings and monitor the river network and weather conditions to predict when flooding may occur. We also provide advice to Local Authorities to help control developments in floodplains.

Q: Are there any flood defences in my area?
A: Please check with your Local Authority.

Q: I live near the sea. Can you forecast tidal flooding?
A: SEPA provides a coastal flood watch service for nine broad coastal areas of Scotland. We also issue warnings in the Firth of Clyde area, which is covered by a local flood warning scheme.

Q: Can you tell me the tide times?
A: SEPA do not issue tide times. Tide times vary around the coast but are entirely predictable. They are affected by the position of the moon, earth and sun.

Every day there are two high and two low tides. At different times of the month the time and height will be different. Tide tables showing the time and level of high and low tides are published and are available in bookshops and on several websites.

Sea levels are also affected by meteorological conditions such as air pressure and winds which cause ‘surges’ that can affect the predicted tide levels significantly.

If a surge pushes water towards the land and coincides with a high tide then flooding can be worsened or may occur even though the predicted tide level was below danger levels.

FLOODLINE

Q: What is Floodline?
A: A public information service providing information on flooding from rivers and the sea together with advice on how to prepare for and deal with floods. It is provided through a dedicated 24 hr telephone help-line and the SEPA internet site. A similar service is provided in England and Wales by the Environment Agency, using the same help-line number and their own internet site .


Q: What information on flooding can Floodline give?
A: A general alert or Flood Watch can be given for an area if hydrologists are concerned that river, tidal or weather conditions are indicating flooding is possible. In certain areas particularly prone to flooding, there may be local flood warning schemes, where more detailed alerts, Flood Warnings & Severe Flood Warnings, can be given.


Q: How do I receive this information?
A: Floodline provides information for the whole of Scotland and is available via the Floodline phone number and SEPA web pages. SEPA tries to raise awareness of a flooding problem and reminds the public of the available service during a flooding incident by issuing information on local radio stations, television weather reports and ceefax/teletext.


Q: How can I find out if I live within a local flood warning scheme?
A: Telephone Floodline 0845 988 1188 and give your postcode.

IN THE EVENT OF A POSSIBLE FLOOD

Q: I have noticed there has been a Flood Watch issued for my area. What do I need to do?
A: A Flood Watch is an indication SEPA hydrologists are concerned about catchment and predicted weather conditions over the next 24 to 48 hours. It should be treated as a general alert and as a prompt towards vigilance. The Flood Watch message may contain additional information such as expected amounts and timings of rainfall; check using Floodline, the SEPA webpages or the local news for any updates.

If you know you live in an area at risk of flooding or are concerned about your property it is a good time to check your flood plans and flood kits are up to date and you know the whereabouts and contact details of your family.

Q: Where can I find products to help protect my property?
A: A list of manufacturers/suppliers of flood prevention products is shown on this website or can be obtained by calling Floodline. (SEPA does not endorse any individual product or company and takes no responsibility for any issues or disputes arising as a result of their purchase or use.)

FLOOD RISK

Q: Can I see flood plain maps for Scotland?
A: SEPA has an online flood map that indicates the risk to land by rivers and the sea. Our flood map can be accessed here.

Q: How do I find out if I'm at risk of flooding?
A: There may be some information on historical and predicted floods held in local offices. Please contact Floodline or use the ‘contact us’ section to find out what is available.


Q: Where does SEPA obtain it's flood risk information?
A: From a variety of sources. Some of them are actual historical flood outlines and some are estimated using a variety of methodologies including hydrological and hydraulic modelling. This information can change as new records become available and studies are conducted.


Q: Where can I get flood insurance?
A: Flooding is covered in most buildings insurance policies although some high risk areas may carry an excess. Contact your insurance company to check if you are covered or look in Yellow Pages for local companies.


Q: Will I have problems renewing my insurance if I am flooded?
A: Premium rates are calculated over the long term but may increase in future for properties in the highest risk areas– talk to your insurer for more information.

The Association of British Insurers say you should be able to get insurance but may need to shop around for the best deal. Refer to the ABI website for specific advice on floods.