Date: 28/09/2009
Tomorrow, Tuesday 29 September 2009, the Environment Agency launches a campaign in Buxton to raise awareness of the risk of flash flooding, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young families and others who would need extra help.
As well as visiting individuals who are most at risk of flash flooding, we will be working with partners, including High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, to provide information leaflets and to answer peoples questions about flooding in the town.
Environment Agency officers will be available at the Spring Gardens Car Park from 10am to 3pm with information and advice, and we encourage people to come and talk to us.
At the same time, our Operations Delivery teams will be out and about in the Buxton area clearing rivers so that they flow freely. We are doing everything we can to reduce the risk, but we need Buxton people to help themselves by being aware and prepared.
People are generally aware that there is a risk of normal river flooding in the town, but, because of the geography of the area, Buxton is also vulnerable to flash floods, and flash floods are different.
They are linked to intense localised rainfall and happen too quickly to issue a warning. They are dangerous because of the volume and speed of the water and the debris it contains. Fast flowing floodwater can sweep people and vehicles away. Flash floods can kill.
The scale of the risk in Buxton was discovered during sophisticated computer modelling of the area. We need Buxton people to understand the risk of flash flooding, know what to do if it happens and be ready to act fast.
Three steps to safety:
Be aware of the risk and ready to act fast:
Flash floods can build up extremely quickly and be very destructive. They can be made worse by dams of debris. Never use riverbanks for the disposal of any form of garden or other waste. If you spot a blockage in a river report it to the Environment Agency on our free 24hr Incident Hotline, 0800 80 70 60.
Flood Risk Manager, Innes Thomson, says "Flash flooding can happen with little or no warning. It can overwhelm even the best flood defences. And it can kill.
"Although relatively rare, these floods do happen. Some places are more vulnerable than others and our information tells us that Buxton is one of them.
"Be aware of the risk, know what to do to protect yourself and your family, and be ready to act fast. Don't wait for emergency services to arrive. Act as quickly as you would if there were a fire. It could save your life.
"Know where to go to be safe, and how to get there safely. Never walk or drive through floodwater. Make sure family and neighbours know what to do, especially those who need extra help. And look after any visitors staying with you."
More information about flooding can be found on the website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.
The campaign will be followed by a questionnaire early next year to find out how the level of awareness in Buxton has changed.