Helping Charlton Kings residents prepare for flash flooding

A team from Cheltenham Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Charlton Kings Parish Council is visiting communities in Charlton Kings to raise awareness of the risk of flash flooding and support residents to know what to do in the event of a flash flood. 

Some properties in Charlton Kings are in a Rapid Response Catchment, which means rivers are very responsive to heavy rainfall and can cause flash flooding even before flood warnings are issued. 

Jason Walker for the Environment Agency in the West Midlands said: “Flash flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly. The effects of flooding can be devastating and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce the risk to life, property and possessions. 

“We are visiting Charlton Kings to speak to residents about how to be prepared and what they can do to stay safe if they are impacted by flooding.”

Louis Krog, head of public protection at Cheltenham Borough Council, added: “We’re pleased to be able to help our at-risk communities affected by rapid response catchment flooding in Charlton Kings. The door knocking exercise with the Environment Agency and parish council will be a good opportunity for impacted residents to learn more about how to prepare for flooding, and if it does occur, what to do and who to contact”.

Find out if you’re at risk of flooding by checking your postcode on the government’s website.

You can sign up for flood warnings where you’ll be alerted by phone, email or text when flooding is expected. 

The best way to protect yourself from flooding is to know what to do in advance. You can download and save a simple personal flood plan so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area. 

If you are flooded, call 999 if in immediate danger and follow advice from emergency services.

Cheltenham Borough Council is also looking for flood warden volunteers. Flood wardens play a key role in helping their community prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding. Cheltenham’s flood warden network is a vital link between neighbourhoods and those responsible for responding to flooding events and helps build resilience as we face the challenge of adapting to the impacts of climate change. Volunteering as a flood warden can be great way to get to know people in your local area and spend more time outdoors in nature. The role is tailored to suit the amount of time you are able to offer. For more information visit the council’s website.

For more information about the responsibilities of the various agencies and support for those affected please visit the council’s website.

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