20/09/2005 - As autumn begins
next week and the cooler weather is starting
to arrive, the Environment Agency and West
Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are getting
together to offer free flood advice.
The Environment Agency’s Flood Incident Management
Team and West Sussex Fire and Rescue’s new
mobile information unit will be on hand from
10:00am – 6:00pm on Friday 23 September at
Mill Road Car Park, Arundel. Officers will
be available to discuss flood risk and illustrate
practical measures that can be taken to protect
properties and minimise the impact of flooding.
People will be able to get advice on simple
and cost effective methods of flood protection
that are easily employed. There will be information
on how to make your home flood resistant using
the new BSI Kitemark standard established
for flood protection products including flood
boards and free-standing barriers. The day
is also an opportunity for local people to
learn more about the Environment Agency’s
flood warning service.
Jonathan Hunter, who has organised the day
for the Environment Agency said:
"We work very closely with the Fire
and Rescue Service during times of flood.
We are working together now to make sure as
many people as possible are protected from
and warned about flooding before the bad weather
kicks in.
"Although it’s not possible to stop
all floods from happening we can make sure
that individuals have plenty of warning and
can take steps to protect their homes and
their families."
Martin Funnell, an Emergency Planning Officer
with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
said the aim is to raise awareness of flooding
risks in the same way it warns of fire safety
or road safety.
"We want communities to know how to
help themselves and what they can expect from
the emergency services if flooding occurs.
The more prepared we are, the better we will
cope with it at the time. If you live in an
area likely to flood you should register on
the Environment Agency's flood warning system.
Just taking simple steps like moving valuable
documents, or packing essential medicines
and baby food can make a big difference if
a flood does hit."
The Environment Agency and Sussex Fire and
Rescue are keen to encourage anyone who would
like to learn more about flood risk areas,
flood protection and the free flood warning
service to attend.
Those unable to come along, who would like
to learn more can visit the website environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline
or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
