On 24 November 2006 Castle Morpeth Borough Council and the Environment Agency launched a joint initiative to raise flood awareness within the borough. Castle Morpeth is considered to be the greatest flood risk within the North East with over 2000 properties at risk.
On the same day Castle Morpeth Borough Council re-launched its updated Flood Action Plan which has been adopted by the Environment Agency and Northumberland County Council. The Flood Action Plan is an extensive document and the following is an example of the information contained within...
Areas at risk of flooding
The number of properties at risk within an area
Evacuation procedures
Residential Flooding
Castle Morpeth Borough Council can not guarantee assistance to individual residents during a flooding situation as resources must be deployed strategically. However there are a number of steps you can take to be more AWARE and PREPARED.
Register for the free Floodline service – 0845 988 1188. This service provides people with automated warnings from the Environment Agency regarding flooding
Prepare a Flood Kit containing: including key personal documents, torch, battery or wind-up radio, mobile phone, rubber gloves, wellington boots, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and blankets.
Make sure you have adequate insurance. Flood damage is included in most buildings insurance policies but do check your home and contents are covered.
Keep details of your insurance policy and the emergency contact number somewhere safe - preferably as part of your flood kit.
Make a list of other useful numbers you may need - your local council, the emergency services and your Floodline quick dial number.
Get into the habit of storing valuable or sentimental items and important documents upstairs or in a high place.
Make sure you know where to turn off your gas, electricity and water. If you’re not sure, ask the person who checks your meter when they next visit. Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to help you remember.
The Environment Agency has revealed that flooding is 30 times more costly than burglary
Commercial Flooding
As with residential flooding the Council can not guarantee assistance during flooding event therefore businesses that are within the flood zone should plan and prepare for an event. There is a range of information available produced by the Environment Agency that can be found at the website above.