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Press Releases

Protect against risk of further floods

Date: 22/01/2008

Following heavy rain across the region High Peak Borough Council is providing advice on what to do in the event of a flash flood or sustained heavy rainfall.

The Council continues to closely monitor the flow of water in the watercourses and culverts and officers are on standby to assist with the delivery of sand bags in the event of flooding.

Weather reports indicate further heavy rain within the High Peak and the Council are asking residents to prepare for the risk of flooding either from a watercourse or from the highway or from blocked street drains. People who have experienced flooding in the past are being asked to be extra vigilant.

Here are some of the precautions residents can take in preparation for the incident of flooding:

• Sandbags are available to purchase from most local builders merchants;
• Derbyshire County Council can supply empty sandbags for residents to fill themselves as and when required;
• Remember that flood water can enter a property through door openings, air vents and service conduits;
• If residents have experienced flooding in the past it would be advisable to move any valuable items or items of sentimental value onto the upper levels of the property (please remember that if insured, furniture etc. can be replaced but unique items of sentimental value e.g. photographs, cannot be replaced);
• If your property floods it is likely that you will not have normal electricity, gas or telephone services for a while therefore torches, batteries, warm clothing and non-perishable food that does not need cooking that can be stored upstairs may be invaluable;
• It is possible that watercourses and drinking water is contaminated during flooding incidents so it is advisable to stock up on bottled drinking water during this time;
• Keep an eye on any gullies around your property and in the highway outside your property. If leaves, fallen branches or other debris have covered the gulley and you are able to, please remove the items as this will enable water to enter the drainage system instead of flowing down the highway and increasing the risk of flooding.

Councillor John Haken, Executive Member for the Environment said: "Council officers are working hard and doing everything they can to try to prevent any unnecessary flooding by removing debris from culverts, watercourses and gullies.

"The Council has carried out an extensive programme of gulley cleansing over the last few months which has undoubtedly reduced the incident of flooding. However, all residents can help by following the guidance above so that they are fully prepared should the incident of flooding occur."

If you want to report an incident of flooding or are not able to remove the debris please contact High Peak Borough Council on 01298 813848 (out of hours telephone number) and inform the Customer advisor of the location of the flooding or blocked gulley.

There is also advice available from High Peak Borough Council on www.highpeak.gov.uk/environment/flooding.asp, Derbyshire County Council on www.derbyshire.gov.uk and the Environment Agency on www.environment-agency.gov.uk - advising residents and businesses on what they can do to help protect their properties.