Vale Residents Urged to be Prepared for Winter Flooding

In a flooding emergency the Vale of White Horse District Council will need to prioritise the help it can provide to the most vulnerable people and properties, and cannot guarantee to supply sandbags.

Therefore it is asking residents to take whatever steps they can to protect their own homes, particularly those who live in the flood plain, near a river or stream, in a potential flash flood risk area, or a house that has previously been affected by flooding.

Check if you live in or near a flood zone and register for the Environment Agency’s free flood warnings service at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodthames or on 0845 988 1188

Keep ditches, watercourses or culverts on your land clear to help prevent flash floods and encourage other neighbours to do the same

Buy some sandbags and know where you can quickly and easily get hold of some sand, or find out what other flood prevention products could help protect your home or divert the water – a full list of what is available can be found at www.bluepages.org.uk

If you own land adjoining a watercourse you have certain rights and responsibilities as a ‘riparian owner’. For more information see the Environment Agency’s booklet called ‘living on the edge’ which can be downloaded from www.environment-agency.gov.uk. This website also has lots more information and flood prevention advice for householders.

(Source:  http://valenews.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/default.aspx?nID=48)