Flood Action Week

Written on 13 October 2025.

{Play} Flooding can happen during drought - don't be caught out

13-19 October is the Environment Agency’s Flood Action Week, and we’re taking the opportunity this week to remind everyone about the risks of flooding and how to prepare and respond when wet weather strikes.

In England there are around 6.3 million properties in areas at risk of flooding and closer to home who can forget the January 2024 flood that severely damaged homes and businesses?

It’s important not to be complacent about the risk of flooding following this summer’s dry weather. Extreme weather is becoming the ‘new normal’, with the UK experiencing more frequent and intense extreme weather events due to climate change, which continues to increase the likelihood and severity of flood events.

Last winter, the Environment Agency issued over 3,000 flood alerts, over 1,600 flood warnings, and 3 severe flood warnings to people at risk. Fewer than half (47%) of those polled agreed they have a good understanding of how to protect their home, although we’re sure Marlborough residents would poll much, much higher – and greater awareness means we’re much more likely to be better prepared.

It is important that every person knows their flood risk and what actions can be taken to prepare and stay safe should the worst happen.

The dangers of delaying action
Taking steps to prepare for flooding and knowing what to do in a flood can significantly reduce the damages to homes and businesses, reduce risk to life, and reduce the likelihood of suffering from mental health impacts in the future.

Know how to Prepare. Act. Survive.
The good news is that preparing for flooding includes simple things that you can do to help keep you, your home, family and business safe and save you thousands of pounds in damages and disruption. This graphic sets out some of the steps you can take:

We’ve done a lot since 2024 helping to support residents, bringing together useful resources and advice, working with partner agencies, holding a flood fair and recruiting volunteer flood wardens. You’ll find more detailed information and resources on our website at https://www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/council/flooding. This includes a link to the local flood dashboard developed by Pang Valley Flood Forum and Action for the River Kennet (ARK), guidance on property flood resilience measures and what to do if you are flooded, as well as the prepare for flooding page on GOV.UK.

Keep an eye on the broadcast media and social media for updates through the week, including our Facebook page.

#FloodActionWeek

 

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