Whilst much of what you can do to mitigate flood risk requires physical effort there are a number of things you can do from the comfort of your own armchair.
Set up a What’s App Group. Especially if you live close to a known flood hotspot. An easy way to stay in touch with neighbours.
If you see problems such as blocked drains, ditches or dykes report them. Don’t assume someone else will have already done it.
Track the weather. The Met Office website includes the forecast and how to interpret it. Subscribe to the Met Office e-mail alert system for the East Midlands to get automatic notifications of weather warnings. Visit www.metoffice.gov.uk
Make sure you have emergency telephone numbers stored on your mobile.
Southwell Town Council Emergency Hub 01636 816103
Floodline – Environment Agency 0345 988 11888
Severn Trent Water (Emergencies) 0800 783 4444
Also be sure to review your insurance policy. Make sure you understand the extent of the flood protection your policy provides and save your insurer’s helpline number on your mobile.
Keep a lookout for the updated version of the Southwell Community Resilience Handbook which will be out soon. An easy to follow reference pamphlet on many flood related topics.
On the other hand if you are feeling energetic and want to get actively involved in helping to protect your local community why not volunteer as a Flood Warden? Full training given. Visit www.southwellfloodforum.org.uk
