Simon, Fay and Mohammed
Simon, Fay and Mohammed

The rainfall due over the coming days is anticipated to cause localised flooding across the Rainham and South Hornchurch area. Simon, Fay and Mohammed from the Rainham and Wennington Labour Action Team are urging residents to remain vigilant following the events of last August.

Next Wednesday the team will be joining local MP Jon Cruddas for the second ‘Flood Action Rainham’ working group meeting with Havering Council, Network Rail, the Environment Agency and Thames Water. The working group was established earlier this year to hold responsible agencies to account and form a long-term plan that addresses flooding issues in the local area.

Ahead of the meeting, where agencies are expected to present what they have been working on since the initial discussion back in March, the team are encouraging residents at risk of flooding to take note of the following advice.

  • If you see a blocked drain or gully on the highway, this should be reported to the council – it is their responsibility to you to keep them clear.

In the event of a flood, this is the advice given by London Fire Brigade:

You can find further advice on flooding from the gov.uk website and you can also sign up for free flood alerts by phone, e-mail or text message. These alerts will let you know if your property is at risk.

If your property becomes flooded avoid walking through flood waters.

  • Six inches of fast flowing water can knock over an adult.
  • Flood water can also be contaminated or polluted, making it hazardous.
  • Don’t swim or allow children and pets to go near flood water.

Driving in flood waters

  • Vehicles can quickly become unstable in moving water.
  • Avoid driving into flooded water or a flooded area.
  • If you’re driving and your car becomes caught in flood waters, ensure you and your passengers unbuckle your seat belts and where possible climb out to safety.
  • As soon as possible after leaving the vehicle call the emergency services for help.
  • If you become trapped in your vehicle turn on all the lights, including your hazard warning lights.
  • Shout and sound your horn for help. If able to reach your mobile call 999.

What can you do on your property to help minimise the risk of a flood?

Some flooding situations are unavoidable. In general however, floods are caused by more water entering a drain or watercourse than is able to leave it by the proper route.

Therefore, everything we do to slow the entry of water into the drainage system will help to prevent it being overwhelmed. Measures such as roof gardens, permeable driveways rather than solid paving or concrete, or soakaways to absorb rainwater, can all help to keep our drains under full capacity.

Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search