• Peter Richardson

Flood Action Week 2025

Today is the first day of Flood Action Week 2025, which runs from the 13th to the 19th October. This annual campaign organised by the Environment Agency aims to ensure that everyone understands their flood risk, takes simple steps to prepare, and knows what actions they would need to take in the event of a flood.

Last winter, the Environment Agency issued more than 3000 flood alerts, 1600 flood warnings, and three severe flood warnings to people at risk. This year, the Met Office has warned of a wetter than average autumn.

The UK is experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather due to climate change. From Storm Henk in January 2024 to Storm Bert in Autumn 2024, Gloucestershire is no stranger to dangerous weather.

The cost of flooding to a home can be tens of thousands of pounds. But it's not just about property damage – flooding can disrupt lives, impact mental and physical health, incur huge financial costs to businesses, lead to large agricultural losses, and isolate rural communities.

However, taking simple steps now can make a big difference later.

What you can do this week:

• Make sure to sign up for Flood Warnings .
• Read about how you can protect your property from flood damage , with ideas ranging from installing high shelves, to having a flood resistant door.
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity, and water. This is essential if you have to leave your home during a flood.
• Make a personal flood kit ready to take with you in case you have to evacuate your home.
• Get affordable house insurance - see insurance advice from The National Flood Forum .
• Help out in your community by becoming a Volunteer Flood Warden. GRCC runs Flood Warden schemes in Tewkesbury Borough, Stroud District, and Cotswold District, as well as assisting in the Cheltenham Borough. Contact cdt@grcc.org.uk or call 01452 528491 for more info.
• Contact your local town or parish council to find out what community emergency plans are in place for your local area. GRCC offers support with community emergency planning. Contact cdt@grcc.org.uk or call 01452 528491 for more info.

I and my colleagues in GRCC's Community Development Team wish everybody across Gloucestershire a dry and well-prepared Flood Action Week. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe!

If you'd like more information about flood preparedness and community emergency planning, please contact me ( Lucy Eccles ) by emailing cdt@grcc.org.uk or calling 01452 528491.