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Flood Preparedness in Saxlingham Nethergate

The Environment Agency has highlighted how a few simple steps can significantly reduce the impact of flooding on homes and businesses, reducing damage, protecting families and potentially saving lives. Recent data shows that nearly half of people are unsure how to find local flood information – making awareness and planning key priorities for us all.

 

Be Prepared

The best protection from flooding is early preparation and knowing what to do in advance.

 

For example, you can:

  • Take steps now to protect your property from future flooding

  • Sign up for flood warnings by phone, text, or email

  • Check your long-term flood risk from rivers, the sea, surface water, reservoirs, and groundwater

  • It is vital that ditches are kept as clear as possible at all times. Please ensure that any waste or vegetation are not put in the ditches!

 

Before a Flood:

  • Check if you’re at risk:

    • Visit www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk  to see if your property is in a flood risk area.

    • You can also sign up for free flood warnings on the same website or by calling Floodline: 0345 988 1188.

  • Have a plan:

    • Decide how you’ll protect your home and where you’ll go if you need to leave. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.

  • Prepare a “grab bag”:

    • Pack essentials such as medication, a torch, important documents, a phone charger, warm clothes, and bottled water.

  • Protect your home:

    • Keep sandbags or flood barriers ready if you live in a vulnerable area.

    • Move valuables and electricals upstairs or to higher shelves.

    • Keep drains, gutters, and ditches clear where possible.

    • Store key phone numbers (insurance, utilities, neighbours, etc.) somewhere easy to access.

 

During a Flood

  • If you believe you are in danger: call 999 immediately if life or property is at risk.

  • Report flooding or blocked drains: visit Report a flood – Norfolk County Council.

  • Avoid flood water: Never walk or drive through flood water – it can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears.

  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water if it’s safe to do so.

  • Look out for neighbours, especially older or vulnerable residents.

  • Stay informed: Listen for updates from local radio, parish communications, or the Environment Agency.

 

Local Support

  • Flood Barriers: The village flood barriers, along with hi-vis vests are stored in the shed behind the Village Hall. The code for the lock on the shed can be accessed by contacting any of the Parish Councillors or the Village Emergency Coordinator.

 

  • Emergency Coordination: The Village Emergency Coordinator, Bryn Austin, will help coordinate any community response during a serious incident and can be contacted on 01508 499757 or brynaustin@outlook.com.

 

Further Information

Bryn Austin
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