Swallowfield Parish Council FLOOD ADVICE FOR PARISH RESIDENTS

The Parish of Swallowfield sits at the confluence between two rivers, the Loddon and the Blackwater. These rivers have a large floodplain which takes in much of Swallowfield Park and other land along the river banks. This area is typically flooded several times a year, generally during the winter months, and this is quite normal. Water that would otherwise rush downstream and threaten Legend Parish other communities lower down the Boundary Thames Valley is held back and released slowly over several days. The level of the water in the floodplain is determined by a downstream weir on the River River Blackwater River Loddon, located between Shinfield Loddon and Arborfield. There have been no flood events in Swallowfield village in recent times that have been due to the rivers exceeding their banks (so called “fluvial” events) to the extent that water from the flood plan rises high enough to flow onto the streets in the village. The map opposite shows the extent of the flood Borough Boundary plain and the degree to which it was utilised in events going back to 1968. There was however one event in 2007 where surface water flowed overland (a so called “pluvial” event) and water from higher ground to the south of the Parish passed through the village before reaching the River Blackwater. This event flooded roads across the Parish, as shown in the map below, and was sufficient to threaten properties in its path. In response to the 2007 flood event, the Swallowfield Flood Resilience Group was Legend established. They undertook extensive mapping of the affected areas and initiated significant improvements to the local drainage system, in collaboration with Wokingham Borough Council, the River River Environment Agency and Swallowfield Loddon Blackwater Parish Council. As a result of this work the risk of a similar “pluvial” flood event in the Parish has been significantly reduced. Work is continuing with an in-depth assessment by a hydrological consultant and identification of a number of projects to further reduce flood risk. If you are concerned about flooding in your neighbourhood please get in touch with the Parish Council (contact details overleaf). They have access to historical information and, in conjunction with the Flood Resilience Group, can give guidance on possible protection measures should you feel this may be necessary. Practical advice on how to prepare for a flood event and what to do during and after such an event is given overleaf.

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Staying Safe during floods  Think about flooding before it happens and prepare a personal flood plan  Try to avoid contact with flood water. Do not drive through it or let children play In it  Do not use petrol or diesel driven generators and pumps indoors, the exhaust gases can kill  When cleaning up after a flood wear rubber gloves, boots and eye protection and wash hands afterwards

Planning Ahead  Sign up for free flood warning messages from the environment agency, available on their flood line (0345 988 1188). Identify local radio stations and pre-set these on car and house radios  Assess your property and install defences if necessary. Be aware of how these work, maintain them and practice using them  Make a personal flood plan, including how to evacuate your property and isolate gas and electricity supplies. Familiarise yourself with the Swallowfield Parish Emergency Response Plan  Pack a flood kit that includes important documents, phone numbers, bank cards, money, medicines, glasses, hearing aids, spare batteries, basic clothing and toiletries and special food clothing, nappies etc. for any babies  Familiarise yourself with different routes to and from your property and which may be prone to flooding

During a Flood  Avoid walking or driving in or near flood water. Entering flood water, even in a car, significantly increases the risk of drowning.  Move animals and pets to a high place with means of escape  Be aware of sources of electricity, particularly if moving around in water. Switch off at source  If stranded, stay put and await rescue by emergency services. Keep contact via …..flood warden system?

After a Flood  Take care if you must go into flood water. Beware hidden dangers including sharp objects, raised or missing manhole covers, damaged electrical cables and sources of pollution  Do not eat food that may have touched flood water or food from fridges or freezers that have been turned off for more than 4 hours  Before starting to clean up, contact insurance company if appropriate and follow their advice. Take photographs and agree on disposal of irreparably damaged items in advance with insurer  Wash clothes used when cleaning up separately from others. Use 60 degree wash cycle.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Parish Council 0118 988 5929 Environment Agency 0345 988 1188 Floodline

Thames Water (sewer 0800 316 9800 Plumber problem)

Swallowfield Medical 0118 988 3134 Electrician Practice

Reading Police Station 0118 953 6000 Gas Safe Engineer

Wokingham Borough Council 0118 974 6000 Insurance company (out of hours) (0800 212 111) Insurance policy number

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