Published: 26 November 2009
Carlisle Flood Defences
Flood defences currently in construction in Carlisle have successfully held back flood waters from 2,500 properties at risk of flooding according to the Environment Agency (EA).
Contractors working on the construction of the Caldew defence scheme were diverted from their usual duties last Wednesday morning to prepare the defences, which are currently 80% complete.
These workers installed temporary pumps in the Little Caldew pumping station which is still under construction. They also installed temporary barriers along the length of the flood wall still under construction.
These measures were successful in holding back flood waters, which came within 5cm of the top of the temporary defences at the peak river level.
The peak flow was 55cm below the top of the main length of the new permanent defences, which are being built following severe flooding in January 2005 of 1,800 properties in Carlisle.
The Caldew Defence Scheme in Carlisle is due to be completed in January 2010, 14 months ahead of the original construction programme.
When complete the scheme will provide flood defences protecting Carlisle to a 0.5% chance of flooding in any one year. An allowance for climate change has also been incorporated into the design of the flood defences.
What should people do to prepare for flooding?
· Check if you are in a flood risk area - Enter your postcode on our am I at risk pages to view the EA’s flood risk map and see if your property is in an area at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. Get further essential information on what to do before, during and after a flood on EA’s flood pages.
· Sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct - EA’s free service provides flood warnings direct to homes at risk of sea or river flooding by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message, fax or pager. As well as signing up for warnings, you can get simple advice on what to do before, during and after a flood. Call 0845 988 1188 to find out if you are at risk.
· Make an emergency flood plan - Flooding happens quickly and often when you least expect it. It's easy to lose each other at time like this. Preparing an emergency flood plan will help you through a serious situation. Creating the plan with your children, explaining what to do and even practising the plan will prepare them for the time when you may need it. Check your insurance cover and confirm that you are covered for flooding. Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
· Prepare a flood kit of essentials items - This could include copies of insurance documents, a torch, a wind up or battery radio, warm waterproof clothing and blankets, prescription medication, bottled water and non-perishable foods, baby food and baby care items, important contact details. Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.
· Think about what you can move now - Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.
· Flood-proof your home - There are things you can do to your property that will make it easier & cheaper to clean up after a flood:
- Raise the height of electrical sockets to 1.5 metres above ground floor level
- Use lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls
- Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard ones
- Position any main parts of a heating or ventilation system, like a boiler, upstairs
- Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes
- Replace wooden window frames and doors with synthetic ones
- Find more information on flood-proofing your home
· Use temporary flood protection equipment - Flood protection equipment can help restrict flood water. Plastic covers to seal airbricks can stop flood water coming in through your airbricks. Sandbags may be provided by your local council or you can buy your own, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth. Floodboards fix to frames around windows and doors. They can be washed, stored & used again
Further information
Directgov – Flooding in your area
Carlisle Storms and Associated Flood Multi-agency debrief report Executive Summary
SEPA - Flooding
Repair and restoration of buildings following floods
Preparing for Emergencies - Directgov
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Consultation on Flood Risk Management
Increased protection for sewer-flooded customers
Dribble of Government Support for Flood Risk Households
Enabling the Natural Environment to Adapt to the Major Climatic Changes
Coping with Extreme Rainfall in Urban Areas
Poor Detailed Mapping means Insurance Companies lose Revenue
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