Coastal populations on flood alert
Council emergency planning teams will be on full alert this weekend as the highest tides in 20 years are predicted to hit England’s coast.
Spring tides today (Friday), over the weekend and on Monday are predicted to be some of the highest for several years in some coastal locations around the UK, said the Environment Agency.
The tides will only cause major flooding if combined with adverse conditions like strong winds, storm surge and waves associated with a low pressure weather system.
Local authorities have identified rest centres where residents can seek shelter if their homes are hit by floods and trained teams are on hand to give refreshments, advice and support.
If flooding looms the Environment Agency will issue one of four warning codes, ranging in severity from Flood Watch to Severe Flood Warning. This should give council emergency planning teams, working with the emergency services and Environment Agency, 12 hours to put their flood plans into action.
Emergency planning teams are on full alert and ready to deal with any flooding that the high tides could cause this weekend, but it is important that everyone living on the coast or in a flood risk area is prepared. People should not wait until water is running down their streets to do something.
“People should sign up to the Environment Agency’s automated warning system, so they get a call the moment there is a risk their home could flood,” said LGA chairman Cllr Paul Bettison.
There are lots of precautions you can take. Emergency planning chiefs have set out a six point plan that people can take to protect their home from flooding:
Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains
Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or as high up as possible
Open doors and windows, smear a layer of silicone sealant around the frame, then shut and lock the door or window.
Ideally, cover doors, windows and airbricks with plywood, sandbags or metal sheeting.
Move as much furniture and electrical blankets as you can upstairs. Alternatively, raise them up on bricks or blocks – this may be very helpful for large appliances such as fridges/ freezers.
Keep important personal documents in a sealed bag and in a location safe from flood water.
High tides on the North West coast were the EA’s major concern yesterday, but councils in many areas have emergency teams ready for action.
Council emergency planning teams will be on full alert this weekend as the highest tides in 20 years are predicted to hit England’s coast.
Spring tides today (Friday), over the weekend and on Monday are predicted to be some of the highest for several years in some coastal locations around the UK, said the Environment Agency.
The tides will only cause major flooding if combined with adverse conditions like strong winds, storm surge and waves associated with a low pressure weather system.
Local authorities have identified rest centres where residents can seek shelter if their homes are hit by floods and trained teams are on hand to give refreshments, advice and support.
If flooding looms the Environment Agency will issue one of four warning codes, ranging in severity from Flood Watch to Severe Flood Warning. This should give council emergency planning teams, working with the emergency services and Environment Agency, 12 hours to put their flood plans into action.
Emergency planning teams are on full alert and ready to deal with any flooding that the high tides could cause this weekend, but it is important that everyone living on the coast or in a flood risk area is prepared. People should not wait until water is running down their streets to do something.
“People should sign up to the Environment Agency’s automated warning system, so they get a call the moment there is a risk their home could flood,” said LGA chairman Cllr Paul Bettison.
There are lots of precautions you can take. Emergency planning chiefs have set out a six point plan that people can take to protect their home from flooding:
Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains
Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or as high up as possible
Open doors and windows, smear a layer of silicone sealant around the frame, then shut and lock the door or window.
Ideally, cover doors, windows and airbricks with plywood, sandbags or metal sheeting.
Move as much furniture and electrical blankets as you can upstairs. Alternatively, raise them up on bricks or blocks – this may be very helpful for large appliances such as fridges/ freezers.
Keep important personal documents in a sealed bag and in a location safe from flood water.
High tides on the North West coast were the EA’s major concern yesterday, but councils in many areas have emergency teams ready for action.
posted by tony at 2:41 PM
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