Did you know:
- a car can float in only 30cm of water
- on average it can take six months or more for a flooded property to fully dry out
- it’s not unusual for people who've been flooded to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
- when a business is impacted by severe weather, including flooding, the cost can average £7,000?
But there are things you can do to prepare and protect yourself.
We're currently experiencing more severe and more frequent weather events as the effects of climate change are felt across the globe. Everyone in the North East will remember the devastating floods in 2012, during which Thunder Thursday cost Newcastle City Council £8m. Not many people realise you're more likely to be affected by flooding than a fire. Would you know what to do before, during and after a flood?
There is a team however, working across the North East, empowering communities to protect themselves. The Environment Agency team works with schools, residents and businesses to help people understand their risk and better prepare as the impact of a flood can't be underestimated. The team works with people too afraid of the risk of flood to go on holiday, and in schools where more than 50 per cent of pupils have been affected by flooding at home, impacting their long-term wellbeing.
Prepare, act, survive
This simple mantra can reduce the disruption and trauma caused by flooding and it's a message the Enrironment Agency is proud to share with those at risk; it translates to all aspects of life, despite the ever-changing political and environmental climate.
The Environment Agency has partnered with VONNE to help support voluntary organisations across the North East prepare themselves, their meeting spaces, or members of the communities they support.
This ranges from helping people check their flood risk to writing flood plans. And it’s important to remember that flooding is more than water getting into a building; it can disrupt road networks, hinder access to pharmacies and prevent the timely supply of utilities. If you're vunlerable, or work with those who are, support will be needed.
If you're interested in learning more about the project and how it can help your organisation, get in touch with your local officer:
Tyne & Wear: Taryn Al-mashgari – taryn.al-mashgari@environment-agency.gov.uk
Northumberland: Colin Hall – colin.hall@environment-agency.gov.uk
Durham & Darlington: Anna Caygill – anna.caygill@environment-agency.gov.uk
Redcar & Cleveland: Sarah Duffy – sarah.duffy@environment-agency.gov.uk
Workshop days can also be arranged for multiple-organisation training; please mention your interest in this in your email.
Find oiut more about flood risk and prevention at gov.uk/check-flood-risk.