28.11.12
Councils and emergency services tackle flooding
Emergency crews are working with local authorities to help protect homes and residents from major floods all across the country.
Councils are providing thousands of sandbags, water pumps and emergency accommodation to alleviate flooding disruption, as well as coordinating with emergency service crews and the Environment Agency.
Residents are being kept up to date via social media and council websites on road closures and flood warnings.
Some councils are diverting staff from their ordinary jobs to help with the flood relief, and are even loaning some essentials such as washing machines, cookers and fridges to people whose homes have been destroyed by flooding.
Housing teams are preparing for further floods this week, with emergency accommodation ready for people if they are evacuated from their homes.
Cllr Mike Jones, chairman of the LGA’s Environment Board, said: “Councils have been putting on additional staff over the weekend and are working closely with fire crews and other emergency services to get help to those who need it.
“Staff have been working around the clock helping to protect homes, emptying gulleys to alleviate road flooding and fighting through the elements to ensure that older and more vulnerable people are not put at risk and can still access the council help they rely upon.
“The extreme weather we are currently seeing is a stark reminder of the importance of continued investment in flood defence systems and ensuring that people and property are protected. Councils will be doing all we can, and will be working with Government, to ensure that affected areas make a swift recovery.”
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