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Floodline Can Help You Prepare For Flooding
18 Nov 2002 - 176/02
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As the north east mops up after the latest of three exceptional flood events to hit the area in the past month, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is restating the message that those living, working or travelling in flood risk areas should use its Floodline service as a key tool in preparing 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.
Derek Fraser, SEPA Senior Hydrologist in the north east, said,
"As events over the past 48 hours have shown, flooding can happen very suddenly. While official bodies like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, local authorities and the police all play a part in giving whatever advance warning and assistance is possible the person who can do most to help is you. Being aware and prepared for the risk of flooding can help to lessen the emotional and financial consequences when flooding does occur.”
“Measures to minimise the threat of flooding 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. More advice and information on how to prepare for and cope with flooding is available in a free Floodline information pack. Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for further information.”
ENDS
Notes:
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 warnings of flooding from the media, Police and Local Authorities. Since the introduction of Floodline, a set of easily recognisable codes – FLOOD WATCH, FLOOD WARNING, SEVERE FLOOD WARNING and ALL CLEAR – has been in use across the UK.
| PR Team - Press Contacts
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| Corporate Office, Stirling (national issues): |
Stewart Prodger,
direct line 01786 457724 |
| Corporate Office, Stirling (Floodline issues): |
Emma Hargreaves,
direct line 01786 452447 |
| Aberdeen (northern Scotland issues): |
Stewart Argo,
tel 01224 248338 |
| East Kilbride (south west Scotland issues): |
Joanna Gardiner,
direct line 01355 574226 |
| Edinburgh (south east Scotland issues): |
Louise Fyfe,
direct line 0131 273 7274 |
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