District Dispatch - 28 August 2025

In particular, we are seeing more unsettled weather, including heavier rainfall, sudden cold spells, and more frequent extreme weather events, which is why being prepared is more important than ever.

There are many simple actions we can all take to help protect our homes, gardens, and businesses. We've gathered a range of useful tips to support you in getting ready for whatever the weather may bring. For example, if you experience a power cut during extreme weather, you can contact your electricity distribution operator by calling 105, which will connect you to the right team for your area.

Flooding is a growing concern, and it's easy to check the flood risk for your postcode (opens new window). If you live in a flood-prone area, you can also sign up for free flood warnings (opens new window). These alerts — sent by phone, email, or text — can warn you of flooding from rivers, the sea, or groundwater, although they're not available in all areas.

It's also wise to familiarise yourself where the location of your mains water, gas, and electricity shut off is in case you need to leave your home due to flooding. These vary between properties, but gas shut-off valves are usually beside the meter, and the mains electricity cut-off is typically a large red switch on your fuse box. If you're unsure where your water stopcock is, ask someone with practical experience or a plumber for help.

While preparation can go a long way, some weather events may still cause damage. That's why it's important to ensure your home insurance is up to date and provides the coverage you need. Insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that your property is protected no matter what happens.

When high winds are forecast, everyday items like garden furniture can become dangerous. Make sure they're secured or stored away before a storm. It's also a good idea to check your roof for loose tiles, slates, or flashing, and to remove dead branches from trees near your property. In winter, leaves can clog gutters and drainpipes, preventing proper drainage and causing leaks into your roof and walls—so clearing them out is a smart move.

Cold weather can also cause pipes and water tanks to freeze, leading to costly damage. Covering them with good-quality insulation helps protect your hot water system and can save you money on energy bills.

For the very latest weather warnings, you can subscribe to the Met Office alerts (opens new window). We also share their updates and advice on our social media channels.

Finally, if you have a mobile phone, we recommend downloading the Chichester District Council app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app lets you view your waste and recycling collection dates, sign up for reminders, and receive live updates if collections are disrupted due to severe weather or other issues. It's important to switch your notifications on, so that you can receive live updates on your waste and recycling collections. This means that you will be notified if there are any changes to collections due to severe weather, or any other unforeseen problems.

You can learn more by visiting the Chichester District Council app web page.

By taking just one step each day, you'll be better prepared for the months ahead. If you use Messenger, it's also worth joining our CDC Messenger channel (opens new window) where we will directly post any important updates or messages. It's also worth following our social media pages and referring to our website (opens new window).

Best Wishes

Cllr Jonathan Brown

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council