In the run-up to the first anniversary of last year’s devastating
floods in the west of England, the London Boroughs of Bexley and Greenwich have
conducted a joint emergency planning exercise to test their flood response plans.
Exercise Blue Lagoon was a desktop exercise, with officers from both councils
considering how they would respond to a breach of the river wall in Thamesmead,
which would cause significant flooding in parts of Bexley and Greenwich.
Mary Ney, the Chief Executive of Greenwich Council and Will Tuckley, the Chief
Executive of the London Borough of Bexley, took part in the exercise, along with
representatives from the Environment Agency, the emergency services, the local
primary care trusts, utility and transport companies and Trust Thamesmead.
It took place in June at the Southlake Centre in Thamesmead and provided a
valuable opportunity for staff from local organisations to discuss the issues
involved in responding to flooding and how the two boroughs would work together.
The anniversary of the 2007 floods provides a timely reminder of the devastating
impact that floods can have on people's lives - and of the practical measures
that residents and businesses can take to protect themselves.
Some parts of Bexley lie within the flood risk areas of the River Thames,
the River Cray and the River Shuttle.
You can check whether your home or business is in such an area by contacting
the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or visiting their website
at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
If your property is in a flood risk area it is highly recommended that you
sign up to the Environment Agency's free telephone flood warning service ‘Floodline’.
The Agency can provide further detailed advice for residents and businesses,
but you should -
- Check your insurance cover.
- Find out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
- Prepare an emergency kit of essential items.
- Know who to contact in the event of a flood and how.
- Think about what you can move now.
- Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood.
Please remember: the best way to prepare for a flood is to prepare now.
