Flooding is a risk for areas near the River Thames and, is set to get worse as the effects of Climate Change worsen. But what should you do and, how can you plan ahead?
It is usually a real blessing to live in such a leafy borough, blessed with its close proximity to the green belt and the River Thames. But, despite the construction of the Jubilee River, flooding is likely to become more common again as the effects of Climate Change create more volatile weather patterns in the UK, particularly heavier rain and more extreme temperatures.
Do you know what the three levels of flood warning are?
Do you know how to protect yourself and your family and property if we reach each of these three levels of flood warning?
Do you know what the current level of flood warning is for Windsor or areas of RBWM?
How to find out whether a flood warning has been issued for your town
The easiest way to find out is to click this link and enter your postcode or town to find out whether there are any flood alerts in operation.
As at 1:16 am on Tuesday 29 December 2020, there is an Amber Flood Alert in place for areas of Windsor close to the Thames which indicates that Sutherland Grange is likely to be flooded, but properties are not expected to flood, as rain deposited upstream makes arrives down stream in Windsor.
What are the three levels of flood alert and, how should you plan ahead for a flood?
This diagram sets out each of the three levels and what to do.
Flood alert – Prepare
- prepare a waterproof “grab bag” that includes medicines, insurance documents, passports, birth certificates, examination certificates, spare clothing, phone chargers etc…
- check flood warnings – click this link
- Find out now where the location of your water stopcocks, gas shut-off valves and electrical master switches are.
Flood warning – Act
- turn off gas, water and electricity
- move things upstairs or to safety
- move family, pets and car to safety
Severe flood warning – Survive
- call 999 if in immediate danger
- follow advice from emergency services
- keep yourself and your family safe
How to prepare your property before a flood
To reduce flood damage you can take steps such as laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the wall and fitting non-return valves to stop flood water entering your property through the drains. Bluepages lists suppliers of flood products and services.
Resources to prepare your own Flood Emergency Plan
You can also use templates to make your own personal flood plan for:
Create a checklist of things to do to protect your family, such as turning off the electricity and gas to prevent a fire.
I hope you found this useful.
Remember, Be prepared and stay safe.
Accountably yours
Wisdom
Cllr Wisdom Da Costa
Credits
Environmental Agency pages at https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/plan-ahead-for-flooding
Caveat
- This post is part of the WWRA Councillors regular series of Blogs to inform and empower local residents; as promised in their election leaflet
- It is also to comply with clause v of the Members Code of Conduct which states, “You must be as open as possible about your decisions and actions and the decisions and actions of your authority and should be prepared to give reasons for those decisions and actions.”
- The views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of the West Windsor Residents Association (WWRA).
- Any errors are unintentional so, I would value you bringing them to my intention so I can correct them. You can Email me [email protected]
