The Environment Agency has launched its Flood Action Campaign, partnering with the Red Cross, to encourage people to learn how to Prepare Act Survive in a flood to reduce the impacts of damage, and to join a new national network of Community Reserve Volunteers to help their communities if disaster strikes.
According to Environment Agency research, 18-34 year olds are least likely to know if the area where they live is at risk of flooding and least likely to know how to protect their homes and possessions. Less than half (48%) of under 35s would know what to do if a flood warning was issued.
Their research shows young people's lack of knowledge is putting them at risk in a flood. The Campaign launched on 29th November 2018 urges young people to learn how to protect themselves, their families and help their communities when flooding hits. Helping to prepare for a flood now, potentially saves months of misery and thousands of pounds worth of damage…or worse.
• 18-34s least aware of dangers of flooding in their area
• More than half of 18-34s would not know what to do in an emergency
• Mental health impacts of flooding can last for two years or more
5.2 million homes and businesses in England are at risk of flooding and the average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000 but the devastating consequences can go beyond the material.
The Environment Agency is spending more than £2.6 billion to build flood schemes around the country as part of its current programme, which will better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.
What to do in a flood
All floods are different and you should take advice from the emergency services and your local authority if you’re in a flood.
• What the flood warnings mean
• What to do if you get a flood alert
• What to do if you get a flood warning
• What to do if you get a severe flood warning
• How to plan ahead for flooding
• How to recover after a flood
• What happens after a flood
Get ready to help
You could help your community in a crisis.
The British Red Cross wants to create a national network of 10,000 Community Reserve Volunteers who can be called upon to help in a crisis. Over 5,000 people have already signed up to the scheme so far. This new volunteering opportunity allows you to make a difference during a flood, fire or any other major emergency near you.
To be a Community Reserve Volunteer you don’t need specialist skills to make a difference and simple acts of kindness can make big difference. Any necessary training will be given at the scene of the crisis and you can confirm your availability when you are contacted. With these initiatives the Environment Agency and the Red Cross want to see younger people not only better prepared for flooding but also more actively involved in supporting the community in times of need.
Take the first step towards being prepared in a crisis, join the new national network of Community Reserve Volunteers to help their communities if disaster strikes at >> https://reserves.redcross.org.uk
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