The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is urging those who live, work or travel in Edinburgh’s flood risk areas to take action now to prepare for the dangers of autumn and winter flooding.

The message comes as SEPA launch a month long bus advertising campaign¹ today (Monday 21st October 2002) in Edinburgh to promote SEPA’s Floodline² service as a key tool in planning for and coping with flooding.

Floodline - 0845 988 1188 – is a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year public information service that provides Scotland-wide flood alert information through Flood Watch, more specific alerts for areas covered by Flood Warning schemes, and general advice on how to prepare for and cope with flooding. Flooding can also be reported through Floodline. The service is supported by live flood updates at www.sepa.org.uk/flooding.

Drew Aitken, SEPA Senior Hydrologist for Edinburgh, commented:

“While Edinburgh has not experienced serious flooding since April 2000³, flooding is a natural occurrence, and despite ongoing efforts by a number of official bodies, including SEPA through the provision of flood warnings, to minimise flood risk, the threat can never be completely removed.

“Traditionally, October heralds the start of the season when the risk of river flooding becomes more prevalent can occur. In particular, areas within the The Braid Burn and Water of Leith river catchments are prone to flooding and I urge those living, working or travelling in these areas to remain alert to the possibility of autumn and winter flooding.

“I hope the new bus adverts running in Edinburgh this month will help to highlight the benefits of SEPA’s Floodline service to those at risk, but the person who can do most to help is you. Please make use of Floodline and be prepared.”

There are a number of very simple measures that home and business owners can take to minimise the threat of flooding. These measures can include: preparing a flood kit comprising key personal documents, waterproof clothing, first aid kit and mobile phone; keeping a list of emergency contact numbers and details of insurance policies somewhere safe; storing valuable and sentimental items upstairs or somewhere above the flood line; obtaining sandbags or other flood protection to block doorways and airbricks; and making a flood plan.



Notes:

¹The campaign will run on Lothian Region Transport buses out of the Edinburgh (Central), Edinburgh (Longstone) and Edinburgh (Marine) bus depots.

²In November 2001, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), with financial assistance from the Scottish Executive, established Floodline – 0845 988 1188.

SEPA has hydrologists on flood warning duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Monitoring of weather forecasts, catchment conditions and river levels allow SEPA’s hydrologists to deliver flood warning to SEPA’s 42 Flood Warning Schemes. Through Floodline, SEPA also provides a Flood Watch service across Scotland, keeping the public, emergency services and local authorities informed of potential flooding.

Flood Watch means Flooding is possible, and the situation could worsen, so:

• Watch water levels
  
• Stay tuned to local radio or TV
  
• Make sure you have what you need to put your flood plan into action
  
• Reconsider travel plans
  
• Notify relevant departments/check resources
  
• Farmers - check livestock
  
  

Areas within specific flood warning schemes

In certain parts of the country where serious flooding has been experienced in the past, a number of local flood warning schemes are operated by SEPA in partnership with local authorities and the police. There are 42 such schemes and more detailed flood prediction alerts are available for these areas. People within existing flood warning schemes will receive direct warnings of flooding via the media and from City of Edinburgh Council Flood Response Unit Area Co-ordinators. from the Police. Since the introduction of Floodline, a set of standard codes has been in use throughout the UK.

These, easily recognisable codes – FLOOD WATCH, FLOOD WARNING, SEVERE FLOOD WARNING and ALL CLEAR - deliver clear information and practical advice so you know what action you should take on hearing them.

FLOOD WATCH is available for all of Scotland. FLOOD WARNING and SEVERE FLOOD WARNINGS are issued to those covered by the 42 existing flood warning schemes. Remember - they apply only to existing flood warning scheme areas! (Call Floodline 0845 988 1188 with your Postcode to find out the Floodline quickdial code for your area. www.sepa.org.uk/flooding)

³The April 2000 floods affected over 700 residential, commercial and industrial properties. Damage is estimated in excess of £25 000 000.



ENDS


Photos from the event will be available from Alan Donaldson Tel. 07802 167612
For further details contact:

Emma-Elizabeth Hargreaves PR Officer (Floodline) 01786 452447
Email: emma.hargreaves@sepa.org.uk