Our survey says…

We’ve been completing surveys with residents living in flood risk areas of Darwen since the start of October and the results are in.

Aiming to find out how prepared residents are for potential floods, our survey asked them about steps they have taken to reduce potential damage to their properties and who they would call in a flood.

It found that 13% of those living in flood risk areas of Darwen are signed up to receive flood warnings and more than 30% are willing to form a flood group.

To date, we have spoken with around 450 Darwen residents when surveying door-to-door and during the drop-in surgeries that took place throughout November.

72% of those asked said they think the Council is responsible for managing flood risk. The Council works closely with other agencies to manage the risk of floods and delivers planned programmes like gully clearing. But people in flood risk areas will continue to be susceptible to floods due to their location.

When asked about the project, one resident who completed the survey said: “We’re definitely interested; it’s a good thing to have. People should sort something out in case they flood, I’m going to – I didn’t last time but I will now. My neighbours are interested and so is my daughter and granddaughter, we’re all helping each other out at the moment”.

If anyone sees a blocked drain, flooded gully or flash flooding, report it immediately to the Council by calling: (01254) 585921. To report a blocked river or in flooding emergencies call the Environment Agency on: 0845 988 1188.

And for more information about Flood Watch or to access help in developing a personal flood plan or signing up to flood warnings, call one of the Flood Watch officers on: (01254) 222128.

Think, don’t sink

We want residents to be safe and not take unnecessary risks when driving during possible future floods.

A recent survey by the Environment Agency and the AA found that 680,000 drivers across the UK would ignore a ‘road closed’ warning sign and drive down a flooded road rather than take a short detour.

And more than two-fifths of drivers would blindly follow the vehicle in front if it had crossed a flooded road successfully.

Driving through a road that has flooded is highly dangerous, an offence and insurers could reject any flood damage claim.

The survey also found that people aged between 55 and 64 are most likely to risk driving through the deepest of flowing water – up to 34cm.

Residents need to be aware of flood risk areas near them and have plans in place so they can be as prepared as possible to minimise the impact and potential damage to their properties.

We are offering help in developing personal flood plans and signing up to receive flood warnings available from the Environment Agency.

Phil Rothwell, head of flood strategy and engagement at the Environment Agency, said: “Tragically people die because they’ve taken risks and attempted to drive through flood water just to save a few minutes.

“Flood water is dangerous, dirty and it can carry disease. If there is widespread flooding in your area then don’t travel and if a road is closed then turn around and make a detour.

“Your journey could take you a little longer but making the right decision could ultimately save your life. You can check the flood forecast on the Environment Agency website to help you plan.”

The borough is most at risk of floods when there is excess rainfall causing rivers and drainage systems to be overwhelmed.

And climate change increases flood risk as it makes extreme weather and increased rainfall more common, especially in the North West.

We want to hear from Darwen residents

We’re looking for residents in flood risk areas of Darwen to complete our short survey to be in with the chance of winning a £10 Darwen Market Voucher.

The Flood Watch team are out and about in flood risk areas of Darwen this month where they will be speaking to residents about their experiences with flooding and steps they have taken to prepare.

They are being asked to complete a short survey which will establish how prepared communities are for floods with a view to improve services and emergency response.

Those who complete the survey will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a Darwen Market voucher.

Flood risk areas of Blackburn will be surveyed in early 2014.

The survey can be found online here.