Flood protection measures

“Raising awareness of potential flooding and helping people protect themselves from the impact of severe weather is crucial as we enter the festive period”, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has said.

Ms Cunningham outlined the Scottish Government’s commitment to reducing the risk of flooding in communities across Scotland on a visit to see progress at the £20m Almondbank Flood Prevention Scheme in Perthshire. Perth and Kinross Council is building a series of flood defences to protect residential households and businesses from the risk of River Almondbank and the East Pow Burn flooding.

The visit marks a year since the wettest December on record which saw levels at rivers across Scotland overflow.  

Since this devastation the Scottish Government has committed, with COSLA, to a £42 million a year plan for the next decade; leading to more than 10,000 families benefitting from a ten year strategy to protect homes in many of Scotland’s most flood-prone communities.

She said:

"Last year we saw the devastating effects of exceptional flooding with storms battering our communities and businesses. It’s impossible to predict what this winter holds but I want to provide  communities with an assurance that we are committed to doing everything we can to protect them from damage.

“Our strategy is giving local authorities the certainty and the financial backing they need to deliver the actions in their flood risk management plans which can help individuals, businesses and communities.

“While we’re showing leadership and boosting our local authorities it’s crucial that members of the public also understand flood risk and take the necessary actions to protect themselves, their property or their businesses.

“Here in Perthshire it is fantastic to see work progressing on the Almondbank Flood Prevention Scheme which will protect residential houses and small and medium sized enterprises in the nearby industrial estate, for years to come.

“I would urge people to check their flood risk and prepare for flooding by monitoring SEPA’s Floodline website for the latest flood information and signing up to get Floodline warnings direct to a mobile phone. People should also be aware of the new Flood Re initiative which offers and promotes affordable flooding insurance for households.”

Pascal Lardet from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scotland’s flood forecasting and warning authority, said:

“We’ve had a relatively dry winter so far, but last December saw flooding create a lot of unseasonal misery for many.

“It is important to remember that, whether you are planning a quiet Christmas at home or expect to travel further afield over the festive period, we can all be affected by flooding – but you can take action now to reduce the impact which flooding can have on your life.

“Anyone can receive crucial time to prepare for flooding by signing up to SEPA’s free Floodline service, and it’s never too early to take action by creating your own flood plan as flooding can happen at any time of the year.”

Background

You can sign up to Floodline at www.sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup or by calling 0345 988 1188/ 0845 988 1188.

A host of useful information and tips on preparing for flooding is also available at www.floodlinescotland.org.uk.

The Scottish Government’s annual Ready for Winter campaign provides the public with a range of advice and information on preparing for winter weather. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org

More information about Flood Re is available at: http://www.floodre.co.uk/

The Scottish Government provides £140,000 each year to the Scottish Flood Forum. The Forum works directly with communities and individuals at risk of flooding to raise awareness and help them take action to protect their property.