Council will not issue sandbags as the district braces for further flooding
West Berkshire is still on amber alert for rain over the weekend, with up to 70mm expected to fall by Sunday.
West Berkshire Council says it has a two man emergency team on duty 24 hours a day to deal with highway issues, including removing fallen trees and putting up signs and sandbags for areas of flooding and for making dangerous potholes safe.
However, the Council has said that it does not issue sandbags to those at risk of flooding.
Council spokeswoman Peta Stoddart-Crompton said: “The Council’s policy is that we do not provide sandbags. Those living in flood prone areas are ultimately responsible for the protection of their property.”
She added that the council did have a supply of around 1,000 sandbags but these were issued for land that the council was responsible for such as highways.
Ms Stoddart-Cropmton said that people should report any trees blocking roads or footpaths to the council (01635 519080) or online via the quick link on the front page of the council website www.westberks.gov.uk under the section ‘Report a problem caused by the weather’.
She added that where the Council are aware of flooded roads, signs would be placed and that the public were responsible for their own safety.
A list of road and footpath closures that the council has put in place can be viewed here www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28951
The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has also issued road safety advice for water logged roads.
Spokeswoman, Ellie Gray, said the fire service’s procedures on rescuing those stuck in flood waters remained unchanged, in the face of heavy rain and rising water levels.
Firefighters would continue to attend incidents involving a risk to life, such as people stuck, or trapped in deep water or strong currents.
She said that if the situation involved no risk to life - for example a vehicle stuck in shallow road water – then drivers should contact a vehicle recovery service.
The RBFRS has warned of the dangers of attempting to cross floodwaters, which may hide other dangers, such as blown manhole covers.
With many roads closed across Berkshire and Hampshire due to flooding, drivers are advised to plan journeys in advance by checking local travel information, the RBFRS advises.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency advises that those at risk of flooding should prepare a personal flood plan, including a contact list of emergency numbers.
It says that people should think about items that can be moved beforehand and what you can move in case of flooding.
They should also know how to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies and prepare a flood kit of essential items, which can include important documents, a torch, radio, blankets, warm clothing, waterproofs, rubber gloves and first aid kit including any medication.
The Environment Agency says that this kit should be easily accessible in case of a flood and advises people to tune in to local media, fill pots and pans with water, move important documents and valuables upstairs, put plugs in sinks or baths and weigh them down, plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths, move family and pets upstairs or to a high place with a means or escape.
People should listen to the emergency services and evacuate if told to do so and avoid walking or driving through flood water as six inches of fast flowing water can knock over an adult and two feet can float a car.
If your property becomes flooded the Agency recommends contacting your insurance company as soon as possible and to take pictures and videos of the damage as a record for the insurance company.
Those without insurance should contact the local authority for information on grants and charities that could provide help.
The EA warns that flood water can contain sewage, chemicals and animal waste and that care should be taken if you come into contact with it.
They say that waterproof clothing, including gloves, should be warn at all times and a facemask should be worn if possible.
The agency also advises that electric, water and gas supplies checked by an engineer before switching them back on.
In case of power cuts SSE recommends that if you lose power you should check that it is not an isolated incident before contacting the company.
They advise checking on neighbours and checking fuse boxes and if appliances and wiring are not faulty then you should report the power cut to the power company.
SSE recommends keeping a torch with fresh batteries in a place that can be easily reached and that electrical appliances and lights should be turned off but one should be left on so that you know when the power is back.
The company says that care should be taken with other forms of heating and not to leave them unattended and that doorbells and alarms will not work unless there is a battery back up.
SSE says that food in a freezer should keep for about eight hours without power, but do not open the freezer unless you have to, and to check food once power is restored to make sure it has not thawed. If it has, do not refreeze it and you may be able to claim on household contents insurance for any lost food.
If you have elderly or infirm neighbours check that they are comfortable. If anyone needs a priority service such as those on a dialysis machine contact SSEs priority service team on 0800 2943259
Emergency contacts:
Environment Agency floodline for flood warnings information and advice 0845 988 1188
SSE emergency contact for southern England 0800 0727282
SSE priority service team 0800 2943259
West Berkshire Council streetcare during office hours 01635 519080, out of hours 01635 42161
