Close shave sparks flood risk update from council

Personal emergency plans should also have been drawn up in case the worst happens during what could be a wet and windy autumn and an even soggier winter.

The alert came after a summer of record heat gave way to September downpours – which at one point looked set to intensify as October loomed.

Forecasters tracking the remnants of Hurricane Gabrielle warned the UK could be badly drenched – until the storm veered away into the Bay of Biscay. That left the Azores and northern Spain to bear the brunt over the last weekend of September.

Local people are being reminded by the council that it is never too early to get flood wise if their homes have been affected in the past. They should have a personal FLOOD PLAN with a checklist of things to do if the Environment Agency issues an alert that homes face being swamped.

This includes knowing where to shut off gas, electricity and water supplies. Comprehensive information on flood planning can be found at: Personal flood plan - GOV.UK

The Environment Agency also suggests having a FLOOD KIT with spare clothes and a torch. Important documents can be kept in it. Practical steps for safeguarding properties can be found here: Adapting your home or business to the risk of flooding - GOV.UK

Homeowners can get INSURANCE advice from the National Flood Forum or MoneyHelper – while those living in a flood-risk area can find lower-cost home insurance through Flood Re. 

There is also the option to find a broker that specialises in properties that are difficult to insure. Householders should check if their insurer is part of Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme – which offers up to £10,000 when properties are repaired after flooding to help guard against future flood damage. 

Tenants are urged to find out what kind of insurance their landlords have – since it may not cover personal items. Read the ‘How to rent’ guide by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for more information.

Firms can also get advice from the National Flood Forum on insurance for small businesses
The authority in charge during major flooding is Derbyshire County Council. Its website is packed with advice – and there is more information on the borough council’s flood pages.

Erewash council leader Cllr James Dawson said: “Storm Babet two years ago showed how we do not need to be in the depths of winter for flooding to hit the borough. It happened in October while Ilkeston Fair was on. That is why we are advising local people whose homes may be at risk amid the effects of climate change that now is the time to act. Don’t wait until it is too late.”