Blackburn with Darwen Council is taking action to mitigate against any further floods later this week.
The
Environment Agency has issued an Amber Alert from Thursday evening
through to Saturday and is warning about the risk of localised flooding
because of surface water and high river levels.
The
Leader of the Council Kate Hollern says the Council is doing all it can
to prepare and mitigate against any possible flooding later this week.
“Whilst
we cannot prevent flooding, we are doing all we can to help residents
and businesses in case of heavy rain again. We are giving out hundreds
of sandbags to those in the worst affected areas and are carrying out
inspections across the borough so that gullies, drains and man holes are
clear. The ground is still saturated following the recent heavy rain so
it is important we make sure that we are preparing as much as we can.”
The
Environment Agency has issued an Amber Alert from Thursday evening
through to Saturday and is warning about the risk of localised flooding
because of surface water, high river levels and water running off the
Moors.
The Council has:
- We distributed more 1,800 sandbags to known flood risk areas during the recent heavy rain
- We
are again issuing sandbags to those areas which have been effected by
the recent flooding including A666 Bolton Road in Darwen, Duckworth
Street, Bowling Green Close, Junction Street and Grimshaw Street.
- We are currently inspecting and cleaning where necessary all gullies, drains and man holes across the borough
- We know the sources of much of the recent flooding and have been checking culverts are free from debris
The
Council is also asking motorists to drive carefully on water logged
roads. Further flooding was caused during the recent heavy rain by cars
driving too fast and causing the water to rise over sand bags.
The
Council will keep residents updated using its website and our BWD
Winter facebook page. The footpath around the lake at Ashton Park has
already been closed because of a potentially dangerous wall.
If residents are concerned flooding, they are being advised to move valuables, food and electrical to higher levels.
The
Council is working with the Environment Agency who has a statutory duty
to warn and prepare people for flooding. Please sign up the Environment
Agency’s Flooding hotline if you are concerned – 0845 988 1188 or Typetalk 0845 602 6340.
If you think your property is at serious risk of flooding, please call the Council’s hotline on (01254) 585921.
Advice to residents:
Check your insurance cover
- Check
your buildings and contents insurance policy. Confirm you are covered
for flooding. Find out if the policy replaces new for old, and if it has
a limit on repairs.
Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
- Ask your supplier how to do this. Mark taps or switches with stickers to help you remember.
Prepare a flood kit of essential items
- Copies of your home insurance documents. A torch with spare batteries.
- A wind-up or battery radio. Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets.
- Warm, waterproof clothing and blankets. A first aid kit and prescription medication. Bottled water and non-perishable foods.
- Baby food and baby care items. Keep your flood kit handy.
Start preparing today before a flood happens
Know who to contact and how
- Agree where you will go and how to contact each other. Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.
Think about what you can move now
- Don't wait for a flood. Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.
Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood
- Outdoor pets; cars; furniture; electrical equipment.
