United Kingdom weather services have always tried their best to keep the public immediately updated on severe weather warnings; the most recent one being flood alerts. This is exactly where the attempts of minimizing flood damage starts.
Flooding intensity can occur at various levels. Hence when news and weather agencies issue flood warnings, it is important to be able to understand the warning and rescue codes of both personal and community levels.
Warnings may range from life endangering âEUR~severe flood warnings,âEUR(TM) to âEUR~flood alerts,âEUR(TM) which means that flooding is possible hence be prepared. For example, considering recent Bristol weather conditions, a flood alert was issued for Mid Bristol Avon area on the 12th of June. Local residents were notified of a rise in river levels at Great Somerford, River Avon at Bradford on Avon, River Avon at Bathford and Semington Brook at Semington.
Once news and warnings are correctly interpreted, getting hold of area-specific flood maps would enable clarity on what to expect. Flood maps mainly show flood zones or flood plains; basically the areas which could be affected in the event of flooding from rivers and the sea. They also indicate the chance of flood occurrence and provide the location of raised flood defenses such as embankments and walls. The areas that would normally benefit from flood defenses are also shown.
These maps can be obtained from local authorities, emergency services and utility companies which can be used as the basis for making flood plans. Flood plans can be personal or for the community. Having both in place is the best way to minimize flood damage.
A personal flood plan would mean putting important documents in plastic, putting together an emergency kit, and deciding what to take along in case the property needs to be abandoned. A community flood plan would involve giving priority to assisting old and infirm people, keeping a group of volunteers ready and reducing damage and distress by group efforts.
Riverside property owners have certain rights and responsibilities which they must be aware of. For instance, along with keeping a tab on London weather averages, people living close to river Fleet, CounterâEUR(TM)s Creek, and the Falconbrook can find out about previous flooding in their areas. Residents close to a reservoir would need a different flood plan, most importantly knowing the risk for which reservoir flood maps can come in handy.
Preparing your property with use of sandbags before floods, turning off gas, power and water supply during floods and avoiding to quickly pump out of water following floods are basic pointers to keep damage under control. Being psychologically prepared is also important as only a calm demeanor would enable the presence of mind that is valuable in such situations. In case of floods, a stitch in time does save nine.
Flooding intensity can occur at various levels. Hence when news and weather agencies issue flood warnings, it is important to be able to understand the warning and rescue codes of both personal and community levels.
Warnings may range from life endangering âEUR~severe flood warnings,âEUR(TM) to âEUR~flood alerts,âEUR(TM) which means that flooding is possible hence be prepared. For example, considering recent Bristol weather conditions, a flood alert was issued for Mid Bristol Avon area on the 12th of June. Local residents were notified of a rise in river levels at Great Somerford, River Avon at Bradford on Avon, River Avon at Bathford and Semington Brook at Semington.
Once news and warnings are correctly interpreted, getting hold of area-specific flood maps would enable clarity on what to expect. Flood maps mainly show flood zones or flood plains; basically the areas which could be affected in the event of flooding from rivers and the sea. They also indicate the chance of flood occurrence and provide the location of raised flood defenses such as embankments and walls. The areas that would normally benefit from flood defenses are also shown.
These maps can be obtained from local authorities, emergency services and utility companies which can be used as the basis for making flood plans. Flood plans can be personal or for the community. Having both in place is the best way to minimize flood damage.
A personal flood plan would mean putting important documents in plastic, putting together an emergency kit, and deciding what to take along in case the property needs to be abandoned. A community flood plan would involve giving priority to assisting old and infirm people, keeping a group of volunteers ready and reducing damage and distress by group efforts.
Riverside property owners have certain rights and responsibilities which they must be aware of. For instance, along with keeping a tab on London weather averages, people living close to river Fleet, CounterâEUR(TM)s Creek, and the Falconbrook can find out about previous flooding in their areas. Residents close to a reservoir would need a different flood plan, most importantly knowing the risk for which reservoir flood maps can come in handy.
Preparing your property with use of sandbags before floods, turning off gas, power and water supply during floods and avoiding to quickly pump out of water following floods are basic pointers to keep damage under control. Being psychologically prepared is also important as only a calm demeanor would enable the presence of mind that is valuable in such situations. In case of floods, a stitch in time does save nine.
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