Protect your home from floods this autumn

Last week it was still summer. This week we’re firmly into Autumn, and already we’re facing extreme weather warnings. Some areas are even on notice of localised flooding. Earlier this year during Storm Dennis, flooding affected homes across the country from Yorkshire to Devon and despite the coronavirus outbreak, work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure that at-risk areas have strategies in place to help them prepare effectively for flooding this autumn and winter.

The launch of the What to do

The launch of the What to do in a flood leaflet explains in simple terms the practical steps people can take to protect their homes and families. The leaflet, which was funded by the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC), is aimed at people living in the North East but the advice is relevant wherever you live:

• Before a flood: create a personal flood plan, sign up to receive Environment Agency flood warnings and Met Office weather warnings
• During a flood: Stay out of flood water, get your emergency grab bag full of essentials and don’t use electricals
• After a flood: Talk about how you feel and work together with your community

It is important for residents to help themselves. First check the flood risk for your area and be aware that surface-water flooding can be as damaging – and often happens with less warning – as rising floodwater resulting from rivers bursting their banks or tidal surges. If you are living in an at-risk property, don’t get caught out. Always keep an emergency bag packed in case you have to evacuate your block. And finally make sure you sign up for flood warnings. You can get warnings in England by phone, email or text message if your home or business is at risk of flooding.

You’ll need to provide:

You’ll need to provide:

• the address you’re registering
• a phone number you can be contacted on day or night
• an email address

This service is free.

National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy

But there is only so much homeowners can do themselves. So the Environment Agency’s new National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England, was launched in July and aims to create communities that are resilient to flooding and coastal change. The strategy includes expanding the flood warning service, increased investment in natural flood management and the use of property resiliance measures that home owners can use to protect houses and at-risk blocks of flats. If you are worried about flooding in your area this winter, talk to your property manager. Ringley staff will be able to offer advice on the best way to protect your home and explain any emergency plan that has been drawn up for your block.