Many Kent communities are at risk of flooding and have experienced repeated flood incidents both historically and recently.
Over 70,000 properties in the county are at risk of flooding.
Flood wardens can help people prepare for flooding in areas most at risk.
As a flood warden you would have a key role in helping to develop a Community Flood Plan* for your area. You would play a crucial part in putting that plan into action in the event of flooding.
During and after a flood, when emergency services and local authorities are helping those most in need, flood wardens become a vital link between those responding and the community.
Flood resilience advisors and senior emergency planning staff from the Environment Agency and the Kent Resilience Forum are running 2-hour virtual training sessions on 14 December and next year on 17 January. The sessions will guide you on the role of a volunteer flood warden and how you would link in with emergency planning and response structures.
Health and safety issues will be covered along with information on types of flooding, the different levels of flood alerts and warnings and where to find information.
Each session is online via MS Teams and covers the following five main areas:
1) The role of a Flood Warden
2) Types of flooding
3) Flood and weather warnings
4) Catchment overview
5) Flood safety awareness
All attendees will receive a supporting handbook.
Emma Crofts, Environment Agency Flood Resilience Advisor, says:“You can really help your local community prepare for flooding by volunteering as a flood warden. We provide you with the training and the resources to carry out the role.
“You’ll also be fully supported by our team of volunteer flood wardens.”
Carl Lewis, Volunteer Flood Warden, Tonbridge, says:“You can see the difference we make to people, knowing they can rely on you when they’re in distress, knowing you’re there to help.”
Steve Scully, Senior Resilience Officer, Kent Resilience Forum, says:“Flooding in Kent is the major risk that everyone should plan for. Its effects can devastate lives and communities. If you feel that you can help, please sign up for one of our free virtual training sessions.”
Sessions will take place on Weds 14 December and Tues 17 January 2023
Each session will run from 7pm to 9pm, via MS Teams
Book your session at: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/book/search
For more information on being a flood warden, visit www.kentprepared.org.uk/flood-wardens.
Sessions are free to access via smartphone, tablet or computer. Full guidance for easy access provided.