Charnwood Borough Council is urging residents to assess their flood risk as part of Flood Action Week, running from 12 to 18 October 2026.
The council's message comes amid changing weather patterns. Summer 2026 has been marked as the hottest on record, but the council warns that drought does not eliminate flooding risk. Across England, 6.3 million properties are in areas at risk of flooding, a number that grows as the climate continues to change.
Current flood alert figures
Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Environment Agency issued over 3,400 flood alerts, around 1,000 flood warnings, and three severe flood warnings across the country.
However, polling shows almost 50% of the public have not looked up the flood risk for their home, creating a gap between actual risk and household readiness.
Why preparation matters
Flooding can cause severe damage: homes destroyed, businesses lost, and families forced to rebuild their lives. The council says that simple steps taken now can reduce damage, danger, and help families recover more quickly, limiting the long-term mental health impact.
Charnwood residents can find out their flood risk and sign up for warnings at www.gov.uk/flood-action. The council's flooding webpage offers additional information.