Call for volunteers to play vital role during flooding

The Environment Agency is seeking volunteers to play a vital role in protecting a Northumberland community from flooding.

Working with Corsenside Parish Council, they are calling on residents in West Woodburn to register as a Flood Warden.

Colin Hall, the Environment Agency’s Flood Engagement Officer in Northumberland, has supported the council to create its own Community Flood Plan, but needs more volunteers to ensure the plan is effective in the event of a flood. West Woodburn is at risk of flooding from the River Rede.

Colin said:

Flood Wardens play a vital role – they are the eyes and ears on the ground and act as a link between the Environment Agency and communities at risk, helping to get information out to local residents quickly during an incident.

They ensure the flood plan remains up to date and have direct links with emergency responders. There’s already 16 Flood Warden groups in place across Tynedale, including groups in Acomb, Corbridge and most recently in Prudhoe playing a really important role in their community.

Flood Warden groups help get the Environment Agency’s flood warning messages to the local community and ensure they are acted upon. They also have important information about vulnerable residents and properties which can help emergency services during an incident.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Corsenside Parish Council at corsensideparishclerk@hotmail.com or Colin Hall at colin.hall@environment-agency.gov.uk

For more information and to find out how to Prepare. Act. Survive. visit the ‘what to do in a flood’ page.

Those living in an area at risk of flooding are encouraged to download the Environment Agency’s simple flood plan so you’ll know what to do when there’s a flood warning in your area.

Over 5 million homes are at risk of flooding in England alone, the average cost of flooding to a home is £30k and the mental health-impacts long-lasting.

A record government investment of £5.2bn to better protect 336,000 properties was announced last year, through the creation of around 2,000 new flood and coastal defences in England by 2027.