Flood essentials outlined

5:20pm Sunday 7th September 2008

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Residents and businesses in Skipton have been getting advice about how they can prepare for flooding.

Environment Agency staff brought a “flood kit” to the town to show residents whose properties are at risk the sort of items they should have ready in case rising water levels mean they need to leave home in a hurry.

A kit should include essentials such as medication, baby supplies, warm clothing, a blanket, drinking water, a torch and a radio to listen to flood warning updates.

Environment Agency staff also visited businesses around the town centre to give advice and distribute free canvas bags carrying a reminder to prepare for floods.

Residents were able to check whether their properties were at risk and to sign up for the Environment Agency’s free Floodline Warnings Direct service.

This sends an automatic message by landline and mobile telephone, email or fax, warning when flooding is imminent and what action to take. The Environment Agency’s visit was part of a Yorkshire-wide tour of communities at flood risk.

l To find out whether your home or business premises are at risk of flooding, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the Environment Agency’s website at environment-agency.gov.uk.