Questions have been raised about flood preparedness in Reading as residents have been told to prepare.
In emails that have been sent to neighbours, Reading Borough Council has encouraged them to ensure their property is protected from flooding.
This has led to questions about what measures people can take, which were raised at a recent council meeting.
Councillor Anne Thompson (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) said: “The council put out on its news channels a timely warning to residents to check they are ‘flood ready’ ahead of a change in the weather, when heavy rains and storms will have the potential to cause both river flooding and flash flooding.
“Would the council provide some more detailed advice and make
sure that this advice reaches all residents, especially those in the areas most likely to flood?
“More information on sandbags and emergency procedures is needed. Many
residents think that the council will provide the sandbags when a flood is in prospect, so do not lay in stocks, while others do not have the storage space for traditional sandbags or the physical ability to handle them.
“Tips would be useful on ‘sandless sandbags’ and other options that are now available, so it would be helpful if the council could provide that.
“Also, what plans are in place to help vulnerable residents who may have no one to help them with flood preparations or evacuation procedures?”
John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy, stated that she was correct that the council does not provide sandbags to private residents, and that people can purchase ‘sandless sandbags’ and other items to help.
He said: “Like all sandbag options, they may provide temporary and limited protection where flooding occurs, but residents need to be aware that once the groundwater levels rise to match the surface water, then properties may flood from underground upwards, including through internal floors.
“Water can also ingress through air bricks which are often the lowest point of
access in a home.
“The difference with water-activated sandless sandbags is that they must be put out before the flood arrives so that they can slowly absorb water,
otherwise they will simply float away.
“We do have a sample of these sandless sandbags and would be happy to meet community groups and residents to discuss how they can better prepare for flooding and other incidents.
“Air brick covers are also an easy-to-install and relatively less expensive measure which can be particularly effective for frequent low-depth flooding.”
On ensuring vulnerable residents are informed about these measures, cllr Ennis said: “I am not aware of any proactive work that we do to provide protection for vulnerable residents, albeit that we do have a list of vulnerable residents in Adult Services that we interact with during various emergency situations, including flooding.
“As part of our multi-agency planning through the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum, we do have humanitarian plans in place which provide for evacuation, shelter, and sharing of information on vulnerable residents during flood incidents.”
The exchange took place at the policy committee meeting on September 16.
