January, February and March can bring some of the worst winter storms, so this is a request for your continued support in managing the flood risk in the village. We have an excellent team keeping road drains clear but you can help if there is one near you by clearing leaves and debris from the covers on a regular basis.
•If your land boundary is next to Wotton Brook, or one of the other watercourses in the village, you are a Riparian Owner. Please keep the banks clear of anything that could cause an obstruction and increase the flood risk, either on your land or downstream if it is washed away. A useful reference document for Riparian Owners is the gov.uk Owning a Watercourse
•If you see any activity that could cause blockages which increase the risk of flooding, please report them immediately to Environment Agency’s incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 (freephone, 24 hour response)
You may wish to look into ways in which you can protect your own property:
There is a lot of useful advice in www.befloodready.uk Measures you may wish to consider include:
•Flood boards: usually placed in vulnerable doorways, in pre-fitted channels
•Sandbags or water filled bags. Put in place before a flood event.
•Non return valves: can be installed to drains around the home to stop floodwater backing up. Also for installation in toilet pans to prevent sewage backing up.
•Airbrick covers or self closing air bricks to prevent flood water entering
A comprehensive list of flood protection products and specialist fitting companies can be found in the Blue Pages (http://bluepages.org.uk)
You may be able to apply for a Property Flood Resilience Grant from Devon County Council to help with the costs of making your property more resilient. Details of the scheme, and the application process is here (search for: Devon County Council, Property Flood Resilience Grant)
If you think your property may be flooded
•Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place – have torches, medication and waterproofs to hand
•Fill jugs and saucepans with clean water
Move your family and pets upstairs or to a high place with a means of escape
•Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home, if it is safe to do so
•Do not on any account touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water
•Keep listening to local radio for updates or call the gov.uk Floodline on 0345 988 1188
