Saving your home is just a phone call away

Emergency planning experts at South Norfolk Council are urging the public to sign up for an automated warning system on their mobiles and home phones, as part of a campaign to prepare for possible flooding this autumn and winter.

Two public roadshows are being organised with the Environment Agency floods warning team in Barford and Trowse on Thursday this week.

Norfolk Emergency Planning Manager Jim Bagley, who is based at South Norfolk Council and looks after the district, said:

"We are not saying that Norfolk is in exactly the same position as New Orleans, but the frightening scenes from that city are still fresh in the memory. All we need is a high tide, coinciding with a North West gale in the North Sea to cause a tidal surge of up to a metre. Ground saturation after heavy rain and full rivers means we will face flooding.

"None of us can be certain at this stage in the year what might happen in a month or more from now, so we cannot be complacent. I don't want people scared, I want them prepared."

Julie Ringer, Assistant Emergency Planning Officer said:

"We want people to come along to the roadshows and sign up to the Environment Agency automated flood warning scheme. You can install it on your mobile, your home phone or fax, and you will receive an alert by recorded message. All you do is give the Agency your name, address and postcode."

The roadshows will also have flood zone maps for East Anglia, with a facility to offer on-the-spot print outs for anyone interested in their own home. There will also be examples of Agency emergency packs, expandable flood gates to protect doorway entrances and a mock-up of a typical home showing how flood water can pour in through shower cubicle and bath plug holes and overflows, and through toilets.

Said Julie:

"People think flood water comes in through the doors and windows, but there are other ways into your home which can be just as destructive and need to be covered. Brochures, websites, leaflets and alerts are one way of preparing people, but our roadshows offer a chance to meet the experts face to face and question them on how to be better prepared."

The Floods Roadshow will be at The Cock pub in Barford between 10am and noon, and in The Street, Trowse between 1.30pm and 3.30pm this Thursday, 13 October. Look out for the vehicle marked Keystone Development Trust.

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