July floods
Published on: 30 Jul 2007
Advice for getting back to normal after Oxfordshire's July floods, including health, insurance, rogue trader and fire service information.
Evacuation on Abingdon Road. Photo by Abi Humphries.
More photos
For the flood warnings in force visit the Environment Agency's flood warnings page. We have lots of flooding advice, including what to do before, during and after a flood.
Roads and transport
All main roads in Oxfordshire are now open, including Abingdon Road and Botley Road. Bus gates are now back in force on Oxford High Street.
Pumping water out of homes
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service is working across the county to access water levels in worst affected areas. With levels now dropping pumping out of some homes can take place. Call 01865 842999 (24 hours) to request an assessment. Please be patient when calling as 999 emergency calls will take priority.
Warning about petrol-powered pumps
The Fire and Rescue Service are warning people keen to rid their homes of flood water to be careful when using petrol-powered pumps in confined spaces after two men in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire reportedly died from fume inhalation.
National Floods Appeal
Councils in Oxfordshire have joined with the British Red Cross in its launch of a national flood relief appeal fund. Visit www.redcross.org.uk to donate. Find out more about the fund.
Bogus flood officials
Residents in Oxfordshire are being warned to be on their guard after an incident of a possible bogus caller trying to take advantage of the flooding situation in Abingdon. Full details can be found on the Thames Valley Police website.
Insurance claims and rogue traders
Trading Standards has issued guidance on how to deal with insurance claims and how to avoid becoming a victim of opportunist rogue traders.
Towpath warning
Avoid using river and canal towpaths. Although water levels have dropped, towpaths may still be in a treacherous state. Keith Wheal, Head of the Oxfordshire County Council Countryside Service, said: "We all remember the tragedy earlier on this year at Fiddler's Island. We appeal to people to just simply stay away."
Health advice following flooding
The Health Protection Agency has issued advice on health risks relating to flood water. Infections arising from flooding are rare. Although flood water may be contaminated, harmful micro-organisms are so diluted that the risk of infection is small.
The mains water supply to the Thames Valley has not been affected by the flooding and is safe to drink. If you use a private water supply that has been affected by flooding it may be necessary to boil water or drink bottled water at present. More health advice from the Health Protection Agency.
Sandbags
The emergency services are advising residents to keep hold of their sandbags for future use. However, you should always wash your hands after handling the sandbags especially if they have come into contact with flood water.
Council services affected by flooding
Mill Arts Centre
The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury is closed due to flood damage. The Mill will be running some of its classes and workshops at other venues before it reopens for business. Visit The Mill Arts Centre website for details.
Libraries
All libraries (both static and mobile) are open as normal.
Lost dogs
Owners and finders of lost dogs can register them free with DogLost, whose network of helpers can provide help. Phone 01302 743 361 or visit www.doglost.co.uk.
Multi-agency response
The fire service rescued over 220 people during the floods. The Environment Agency estimates that, across Oxfordshire, at least 900 properties were affected by flood water.
John Parry, Director for Community Safety at Oxfordshire County Council and Chief Fire Officer said: “The Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with the county council’s emergency planners and Oxfordshire Highways, Thames Valley Police, the district councils and the Environment Agency to respond effectively to urgent situations across the county.
“I would like to thank Oxfordshire residents for their patience and recognition that we have limited resources available and give my assurance that we are all working together to ensure that lives are not in danger.
“In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the fantastic mutual support between neighbours and communities. They have all pulled together to help each other and this has gone a long way to minimise distress.”
Further information
See links at the top-right of this page for more advice and links to other useful websites.
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