News Make preparations for possible flooding now

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is encouraging everyone to prepare for potential flooding now.

The Council is asking Maidstone residents to take steps and sign up for flood warnings now. If people know what to do in a flood it can significantly reduce risk to life, damage to property and the suffering from mental health impacts in the future.

Only 27% of the properties at risk of flooding in Maidstone have registered for flood alerts:

Properties at risk: 5370

Number of people signed-up for alerts: 1406

The Council  is reminding residents that they are responsible for their own flood protection equipment which may include sandbags. If anyone believes their home is at risk they should purchase these from builders’ merchants now and store them at home ready to react quickly if there’s a problem.

Cllr Clive English, MBC Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement  said: “By taking just one action people can reduce the effects of flooding on their homes, families and even save a life. The best way to protect yourself from flooding is to know what to do in advance, follow the simple steps on the Environment Agency website.

“In many flood risk areas, you can sign up for flood warnings. These warn of the risk of flooding from rivers, the sea and groundwater. You’ll be alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected. Why not sign up now.”

When areas across the borough are at risk of flooding MBC continues to support the Environment Agency (EA) to carry out its humanitarian responsibilities.

Preventative steps for possible flooding include:

• To Sign up for flood warnings:

flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

• Have a flood kit of essential items at home
• Check the Environment Agency website for flood warning information: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings
• If they see any blockages in watercourses to report them to the EA’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:

http://www.maidstone.gov.uk/home/other-services/seasonal-advice/tier-2-primary-areas/flooding-advice

---