Locally, the threats aren’t as severe but even in our borough, roads and homes have flooded and local rivers burst their banks. Even tiny changes to our climate means that it’s likely to become a more frequent concern.
Councils are required to make sure residents have information about how to prepare for floods.
In Wigan plans are firmly in place to deal with a wide range of emergencies and operatives receive the necessary training. Key streams and rivers are surveyed frequently during heavy rain.
Cllr David Molyneux is the council’s environment champion and is involved in emergency planning at a regional level. He says: “There’s a lot we’ve put in place already. But just as we secure our homes against burglars and buy fire-resistant furniture, there are steps people living near rivers and streams can take to be prepared.”
Flood warning advice numbers are becoming an increasingly familiar sight at the end of television weather forecasts, and the council recommends everyone has a note of the Floodline number 0845 988 1188.
There, people can choose the option for flood warnings in force (select option 1) and then dial the quickdial code for:
- Penleach Brook at Higher Folds – 02232441
- Lilford Park Brook at Lilford – 02232442
- Leigh – 02232443
- River Douglas at Wigan – 0223211
Locally, there’s advice at Wigan Council Website (external link) (choose F for flooding in the A-Z) and on the Environment Agency website Environment Agency (external link)
There are also some straightforward issues to keep in mind:
- Make sure your home insurance cover includes flood damage.
- Know how to switch off your electricity, gas and water.
- Think where you could move valuables like precious photo albums to.
- Have items like a torch and even your own sandbags in an agreed place.
