Drop-in event raised flood awareness

A steady flow of residents living in vulnerable parts of King’s Lynn came to the specialist event to raise awareness of flood risk.   It was organised by the St Margaret’s with St Nicholas Ward Forum in conjunction with officers of the Environment Agency (EA) and the emergency planning department of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
 
Protection measures, expertise, advice and information were all available at King’s Lynn Minster during the free drop-in session.   The forum was keen for anyone at flood risk in the town to attend and therefore attendance was not confined to the St Margaret’s with St Nicholas ward.
 
Explains Dr Julian Litten, ward forum chairman: “The North Sea Surge of 2013, when the river almost topped the flood defences, brought home to us all the potential danger of living in the riverside area of the town — and all the more so because there had been no serious threat for years and we are simply not used to dealing with one.
 
“Afterwards we realised how many elderly and infirm people live in the flood risk streets, people who are not best able to cope with a flood-boards, sand bags and the like.   This led to discussions with EA officials, which in turn brought about this event.
 
“It was held at the Minster because it lies in the centre of the ward.   Of course it has itself been flooded on numerous occasions down the centuries.   We are grateful to Canon Ivory who agreed to our use of the church. And most grateful to members of the congregation who provided delicious, home-made refreshments.”
 
Tamsyn Ellway, flood resilience adviser with the EA who works with communities to set up flood groups and develop community flood plans was present to encourage volunteers to set up such groups and to provide information to residents on all aspects of preparing for a flood.   She was joined by Alan Daniels, EA Operations Team Leader, who is based in King’s Lynn, experienced the North Sea Surge and has been involved in the £1million flood protection measures, which have been undertaken since.   Kevin Kent, borough District Emergency Planning Officer brought maps which illustrated the area of Lynn where flooding is likely — a chilling scenario.
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Independent consultant Ben Hornigold, whose company Engineering Support Practice Ltd operates from Brow of the Hill was there to discuss the individual requirements of householders.   He offers a free property flood risk assessment and advice on appropriate measures.   Two local companies, Flood Sense based at Swaffham and Flood Ark based at Lyng near Norwich brought a range of products such as modern replacements for sand bags, which are easier to handle, air bricks which automatically seal when water rises and equipment which can be installed in waste pipes to prevent sewage backing up into the home.   Both companies offer free flood assessments of properties too.   Flood Sense also supplies a free paperback ‘Keeping it Dry’ a guide to preparing and dealing with flooding from a survival kit to integrated coastal zone management.   Contact details below.
 
Visitors to the event had the opportunity to register with the EA for flood warnings, learnt what to do when one is issued and were given comprehensive sets of literature on the basic measures, which should be taken in advance.   These included having a battery-operated wireless to be able to listen to BBC Radio Norfolk for information when the power is cut — a frequent effect of a flood — and keeping vital documents, such as insurance policies, in a safe place where they can be easily accessed.

Engineering Support Practice Ltd: email hidden; JavaScript is required, 01553-630273.
Flood Ark, Lyng: email hidden; JavaScript is required, 01603-879997.
Flood Sense, Swaffham, email hidden; JavaScript is required, 01760-722758.

Register for flood warnings by calling the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345-988 1188.   Accessing flood insurance including the government’s Flood Re scheme which aims to help those who have difficulty in getting cover is one of a range of information sheets supplied by Norfolk County Council.   Contact the Flood & Water Management Team, 01603-223615, or visit https://fwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/app/olr/home