Floods happen – be prepared

Peter Rawlinson from Rochdale Council with the Environment Agency and Colin Sykes from the BBC

Yesterday (Monday 15 October)the Environment Agency were in Rochdale with Colin Sykes from the BBC who went underground into the culvert (over the River Roch) which is right in the centre of Rochdale. The Environment Agency were showing him the work the confined spaces team does to reduce flood risk to the community by keeping these culverts clear to mark the beginning of Flood Action Month.

Every resident and business in the region will be encouraged to check their flood risk and develop a plan of action to safeguard their families, friends and homes. 

The Environment Agency’s Flood Executive for the North West, Sally Sudworth, said: “One in six properties are at risk from flooding in England, but only five per cent of people living and working in these locations accepts that risk. Knowing your flood risk and being prepared could save your family, possessions and livelihood. You can check your risk of flooding from rivers and the sea on the Environment Agency’s online flood map and then find out what you can do to protect yourself on our website or by speaking to us.

“Surface water flooding, which happens when rainfall cannot drain away quickly enough, is harder to predict, so it’s important that people get to know flooding hotspots in their neighbourhoods and keep an eye on the weather.

“Fortunately, completed Environment Agency flood defences better protected over 12,000 properties in the North West last year, and our flood monitoring and warning services alerted thousands of people to the risk of flooding, giving them vital time to prepare.

“Flooding, however, is a natural occurrence and while flood risk can be reduced, it cannot always be eliminated. This is why it is vital that people know their flood risk and take steps now to protect their families, homes and businesses.”

Seven simple steps to protect your family, home and business from flooding:

• Check your flood risk from rivers and the sea by typing your postcode into the Flood Map at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood  
• Develop a flood action plan so you know what to do if flooding is imminent – a useful guide can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood 
• Sign up for free flood warnings if they are available in your community by calling the Floodline on 0845 988 1188. 
• Keep an eye on the weather, look out for surface water flooding, and check the Environment Agency’s three day flood risk forecast online. 
• Consider purchasing flood protection products for your home if it is at risk, such as flood boards, non-return valves on drains and special covers for air bricks. The national flood forum can offer independent advice about flood products: www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk  
• Prepare your home for flooding by storing precious items upstairs or in high cupboards, and use water resistant materials when building or upgrading your property. 
• Keep up to date by following the Environment Agency on Twitter @EnvAgencyNW. You can also download a flood app to your smartphone that will keep you informed of flood warnings in your chosen location – search ‘Flood App’ on Facebook to find out more.