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As the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) prepares to launch its annual Flood Awareness Campaign (27/9/03-11/10/03), the Agency reveals a worrying number of Scots living in flood risk areas have made no preparations for being flooded.
According to SEPA commissioned research on attitudes to flooding, only 15% of people aware that they live in a flood prone area, have made preparations for being flooded such as keeping a list of emergency numbers in a safe place, or purchasing products that could minimise flood damage to their home. 71% of people who are aware they live in a flood risk are, and have previously been flooded, have still not taken any action¹ (see also SEPA press release 115-03).
The statistics are concerning when it is estimated over 171 000 properties in Scotland are at risk of river or coastal flooding², and many more could be affected by flash flooding. There have been 20 serious flooding incidents in Scotland over the last 3 years³.
During the campaign, national TV and radio advertising will urge those who live, work or travel in flood risk areas to use Floodline 0845 988 1188 as a key tool in planning for, and coping with, flooding. A 20ft x 10ft ad trailer promoting the service will be travelling the length and breadth of Scotland, and there will be 3 flood fair events in Haddington (6/10), Glasgow (11/10) and Elgin (13/10) with more to follow over the coming months.
David Faichney, Manager of SEPA’s National Flood Warning Development Team, commented:
“As we’ve seen, the effects of flooding can be devastating. Summer floods only a few months ago in the Selkirk area left 20 families homeless. 2002’s autumn events saw the biggest recorded floods on the River Dee, and the South Esk in Angus and damage to Elgin business and residential properties was estimated at millions of pounds, when the River Lossie burst its banks.”
“SEPA would encourage anyone living, working and travelling in a flood risk area to contact our Floodline service on 0845 988 1188 or log onto www.sepa.org.uk for help and advice on how to cope with flood risk. There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and possessions, like having adequate insurance or making a family flood plan. One ‘phone call to Floodline now can provide so much information on how to minimise the misery of flooding, don’t wait to take action until flood waters rise again, it may be too late.”
‘Preparing for Floods’ a practical guide to making homes and businesses more resistant, and Floodline information packs containing a Flood Alleviation Products Guide are available free of charge, by calling Floodline 0845 988 1188.
¹ The survey, carried out by MORI Scotland, was conducted face to face, in home, amongst a sample of 507 residents who live in an area at risk from flooding (26/8-9/09/03). See press release 115-03.
²Scottish Executive report ‘Climate Change: Flooding Occurrences Review’ is available at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/kd01/lightgreen/ccfo-00.asp
³SEPA flood incidents log
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Additional notes:
- Tim Jolley, SEPA Hydrology Manager, is available for interview on Tuesday 23rd September, and Wednesday (pm) 24th September.
- The Flood Fairs in Haddington, Glasgow and Elgin aim to provide a ‘one stop shop’ of information and advice for communities at risk of, or affected by, flooding. The flood fairs are in partnership with local councils, and will include representatives from local authorities, SEPA, Scottish Water, the Police and flood products suppliers and manufacturers.
- Haddington Flood Fair, Monday 6th October, 4-8pm, The Corn Exchange, Haddington
- Glasgow Flood Fair, Saturday 11th October, 11am-3pm, The Parish Halls, George Street, Glasgow
- Elgin Flood Fair, Monday 13th October, 10am-9pm, Elgin Town Hall, Elgin
- Floodline operates a public information service all day every day, providing Scotland-wide flood alert information through Flood Watch and general advice on how to prepare for and cope with flooding. More specific alerts are available for areas covered by Flood Warning schemes and flooding can also be reported through Floodline. The service is supported by live flood updates at www.sepa.org.uk/flooding, and this website provides a wealth of useful tips and guidance.
Contact
Emma Hargreaves 01786 452447
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