Emergency procedures are coming into play ahead of the tidal surge that’s expected this evening.

The Environment Agency Flood Alert is now at its highest level and people need to take action.

Flood sirens are sounding along the coast.

There is likely to be significant wave overtopping in this area, posing a potential risk to life.

Residents living in two storey buildings should move themselves to the second floor or relocate temporarily with family or friends.

Residents living in single storey buildings should relocate temporarily with family or friends.

Respite centres are being set up for vulnerable residents. For more information on respite centres please ring the Council on 01472 313131.

The time and date of the first forecast high water is from 18:45 on 05 Dec 2013

The council does not give out sandbags, you can make your If residents are concerned sandbags are available from local builders’ merchants in the area. The following had supplies available this afternoon.

• B&Q, Peaks Parkway, Robinson Street West, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN32 9AW . 01472 359694
• Wickes, Unit A, Alexandra Retail Park, Corporation Rd, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN31 1SG. 01472 251121
• B & Q Supercentre, Belvoir Road, Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0LQ . 01507 353140
• Jewson Ltd, Kings Rd, Immingham, Lincolnshire DN40 1AH. 01469 571471
• Jewson Ltd , Pyewipe Rd, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN31 2QN. 01472 350205
• Travis Perkins Trading Co. Ltd, Port Offices, Cleethorpe Rd, Grimsby, South Humberside DN31 3LL . 01472 345471

Police are advising people not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

The beach safety team has advised tenants on the Humberston Fitties to leave their properties and has advised sea front businesses to close.

If you know of any vulnerable people who might be affected by the floods please call the council on 01472 313131.

Advice on what to do during a flood is now available on the council website, www.nelincs.gov.uk along with the latest information available.

Teams, including health visitors and other health agencies are working together to contact vulnerable people about their needs.

Freshney Place will close at 5pm.

Be prepared for flooding.

• Tune in to the local radio and television stations and listen to the local radio and TV weather forecasts for advice from the emergency services.
• Alert neighbours, particularly the elderly
• Move car to higher ground
• Roll up carpets and rugs and move them out of harm’s way.
• Empty furniture drawers and cupboards. Place the contents and any furniture you can move upstairs.
• Any furniture you can’t move could be raised on bricks and pulled away from the wall
• Weigh down any furniture which is too heavy to move, to stop it from floating and damaging walls and windows.
• Fasten plastic bags around the legs of wooden furniture to help minimise absorption of water.
• If possible, take the curtains down or wrap them round the curtain pole.
• Move computer and other electrical equipment upstairs or above the anticipated water level.
• Turn off gas and electricity at the mains.
• Put plugs in sinks and weigh them down with something heavy to prevent backflow from the drains. Weigh down the toilet seat too.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Check food and water supplies and take upstairs.
• Bring caged outdoor pets inside, and move all pets with food, water, bedding and litter trays upstairs.
• Store valuable or sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place
• Any flood protection equipment, such as flood boards or airbrick covers put them in place.
• Do as much as you can in daylight.

What to do during a flood

• Continue to listen to situation updates on your local radio and via Floodline 0845 988 1188.
• Keep dry and out of floodwater if possible there may be hidden hazards
• Stay in your property, if safe to do so, until advised otherwise by the emergency services or the floodwater has receded.
• Do not walk or drive through flowing floodwater
• If it is necessary to walk through shallow floodwater, take care for hidden holes, obstacles or other hazards
• Do not walk on river banks, sea defences or cross bridges over torrential rivers.
• Avoid contact with floodwater and wash any exposed parts before handling food or attending to wounds.
• If possible, move electrical equipment and furniture upstairs…
• If evacuation becomes necessary advise the public to:
• Stay calm and do not panic.
• Police officers and / or other officials will try to visit all properties at risk to advise on the requirement to evacuate.
• If road conditions permit, move vehicles to unaffected areas and ask friends / family if you can share their parking facilities.
• You will hear about your evacuation point for transport and the location of the reception centre either verbally or by a leaflet.
• Try to check that any elderly / vulnerable family members or neighbours know about the evacuation.

Listen to the advice of the authorities and follow any instructions to leave a property.