Visit the Maidstone flood safety exhibition

• Maidstone is at risk of flooding, so join us to learn how best to prepare, act and survive
• Activities for all the family, including virtual reality flood games for children to learn too
• A special flood tank installation will reveal some of the creepier hazards concealed in murky flood water
• Free entry

This half-term why not come along to the Maidstone Museum to find out what you need to do in the event of a flood? Open from 10am to 4pm on Monday 24 to Saturday 29 October, it’s free to enter.

There will be information on display all week. While members of the Environment Agency’s Flood Resilience Team will be there on Monday 24, Friday 28 and Saturday 29 October with even more activities.

Maidstone is at risk of flooding from the river Medway and many local residents will remember recent major floods in Maidstone in 2013 and in 2000. Flooding can happen at any time and with today’s climate emergency. There are ever increasing risks of extreme weather that could lead to life-threatening floods affecting properties and infrastructure.

The team will be on hand to offer advice to help people to prepare, act and survive at times of flooding. Important information will be available on how people can protect themselves and their homes from the devastating effects of flooding.

Fun for the all the family!

During the week there will be information shared, as well as fun activities for families and children of all ages.

There will be a chance to join in virtual reality flood experiences. ‘Help Callum’ and ‘Help Sali’ where you can immerse yourself in a flooding scenario that can be seen from a child’s perspective.

A special flood tank installation will reveal some of the creepier hazards concealed in murky flood water.

Emma Crofts, Environment Agency, Flood Resilience Advisor, said:

Flooding is devastating and affects people’s lives. During half-term week at Maidstone Museum we hope to meet lots of people. We will also be able to provide advice on how best to prepare, act and survive in the event of a flood.

Our aim is to help people understand how flooding happens and what the impacts can be. We can show them how easy it is to sign up for flood alerts and flood warnings, for themselves, friends and family. We’ll also explain how to make a flood plan and the actions to take before, during and after a flood.

There’ll be activity for all the family, so please come along and see us during the week!

For additional information email: FloodResilienceKSLES@environment-agency.gov.uk

Follow the Flood Resilience team on Twitter @FloodAwareKSLES

In 2013, 41 properties including businesses were reported as flooding in Maidstone town centre. In addition, a number of residents in flats reported access issues due to ground floor entrances being flooded.

Between September and November 2000, up to 20 properties were reported as flooding in the town centre, including businesses.