News Be winter ready
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is reminding residents and businesses to be prepared for the risk of flooding during the Christmas period following the rainfall that is forecast for the region.
MBC is encouraging everyone who could potentially be at risk, to sign up to the Environment Agency free flood warnings which alert them of risks of flooding from rivers, the sea and groundwater. Users will be contacted by phone, email or text to warn them when flooding is expected.
The Council is also reminding people that they are responsible for their own flood protection equipment which may include sandbags, and if they believe their’ home is at risk to purchase these from builders’ merchants now and store them at home ready to react quickly if there’s a problem.
Derek Mortimer, Chair of the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee at Maidstone Borough Council said:
“We need to encourage more residents and businesses to sign up to the Environment Agency flood warnings and be prepared for the possibility of flooding.“I would like to reassure everyone that Maidstone Borough Council’s usual systems for identifying and managing potential emergencies including flooding are in operation and our staff will be supporting the Environment Agency and carrying out its humanitarian responsibilities throughout the Christmas break.”
The Council is asking people to take preventative steps now including:
- To Sign up for the Environment Agency flood warnings and to check whether your property is at risk: flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
- Have a flood kit of essential items at home
- If they see any blockages in watercourses to report them to the Environment Agency’s through a free 24- hour incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60
- Keep up to date on social media @EnvAgencySE Further flooding advice can be found on the Maidstone Borough Council website: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/seasonal-advice/tier-2-primary-areas/flooding-advice