Flooding exercise helps residents to prepare!

An exercise testing the local and national response to flood events is taking place between the, 4 – 11 March 2011.

Exercise Watermark will test the country's response to surface water, reservoir, river and coastal flooding. As part of the exercise, a number of events will be taking place throughout the county. These include mock emergency flood exercises and planning activities. Locally the exercise is being co-ordinated by a partnership of local responders including Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Principal Emergency Planning Officer for Warwickshire County Council, Sally Lange said: “One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding. It is only by working and practising together that we will be ready to protect people's lives, homes and livelihood's when flooding hits.

“During the week we will be working with district and parish councils to help them test their emergency flooding procedures. In addition we will also be raising awareness in local communities to help them start preparing before a flood happens. Key information will include preparing a personal flood plan, knowing how to turn off gas, electricity and water main supplies and knowing the flood warning codes."

If you are concerned about flooding in the home, then there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, these include:

• Installing Kitemarked flood defence products
• Producing a personalised flood plan
• Learning the flood codes
• Registering to Floodline
• Prepare a flood kit
• Check your insurance
• Make a list of important numbers

It is vital we are all prepared for flooding. To find out if you are at risk and to get early warnings, log onto:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk  or call Floodline on 0845
988 1188.

For further information on Exercise Watermark log onto:
www.exercisewatermark.co.uk

The events are being run as part of a national DEFRA flooding exercise being co-ordinated by the Environment Agency.

Events taking place throughout the week include:

• 7 March 2011 - Alcester
• 5 March 2011 - Beaudesert & Henley in Arden
• 7 March 2011 - Bidford on Avon
• 7 March 2011 - Fenny Compton
• 9 March 2011 - Stratford Town Council
• 10 March 2011 - Studley
• 7 March 2011 - Tredington
• 4 – 11 March 2011 - Welford on Avon
• 8 March 2011 - Wellesbourne