Are you signed up to your community flood gauge?
Residents from Astley, Dunley and Shrawley in Worcestershire are the latest to benefit from a community flood warning gauge.
The gauge, installed by the Environment Agency and managed in partnership with Malvern Hills District Council, is used in areas at risk of flash flooding and where the Environment Agency are unable to provide their normal flood warning service.
So far only a small number of residents from the 3 Worcestershire communities have signed up to the gauge, but there are still over 15 properties that could benefit from the information provided.
The service is free and residents can register by contacting Nicola Manley on 0203 025 1546 or completing the forms held by the Parish Council Clerk Pamela Perfect.
The newly installed gauge monitors levels in the Dick Brook. Any changes in water levels are recorded and an automated alert will be issued once river level thresholds are exceeded. The alerts, of which there are 4 levels, can be sent to landlines, mobile phones, email or a mixture of all 3. Once registered residents will also receive access to a website where they can monitor levels during periods of wet weather. The Environment Agency are also working with the community to develop an emergency response plan for each of the alert levels.
Nicola Manley from the Environment Agency said:
Flash floods can happen very quickly, much faster than other forms of river flooding. These gauges help equip people who live in areas at risk with the information they need to prepare and protect themselves.
Unfortunately we can’t provide Environment Agency flood warnings in areas that respond so quickly to rainfall, but these gauges are the next best step. I would encourage residents living in areas that have a community flood gauge installed to sign up.
Cllr Bronwen Behan, portfolio holder for environmental control, on Malvern Hills District Council said:
Flooding causes significant distress to those it affects. This scheme is an excellent example of how by working together we can protect our communities and provide reassurance to our residents.
Visit prepare for a flood for more information.