Flood fair gives residents the opportunity to reduce risk from flooding
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Author: |
Dave Ferguson |
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Date published: |
7-Nov-2007 |
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Keywords: |
Flooding, flood fairs |
Following the recent flooding in Oxfordshire, at the request of local residents, the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum have organised two Flood Protection Products Fairs in Oxford and Witney.
The events will bring together a variety of flood protection ideas, products and services as well as help and information for those people who have been affected by, or are at risk of flooding.
The first Flood Fair is being held at the Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford, between 3-8pm on 15 November 2007 and entrance is free.
The second Flood Fair, which was also organised with the help of West Oxfordshire District Council, is being held at the Windrush Leisure Centre, Witney, between 2:30 - 6:30 pm on 16 November and, again, entrance is free.
At the Flood Fairs visitors will be able to:
• Check if their home or business is in a flood risk area
• Find out about flood warning services and how they can sign up
• Get advice on practical steps to protect homes from flooding
• Pick up a range of information and check out useful websites
• Examine the range of flood defence devices you can buy
• Develop their own home or business flood plan
Mary Dhonau of the National Flood Forum said: “These fairs will offer local residents who have suffered from the heartbreak of flooding the chance to talk about their experience with people who know just what it’s like.
“At the same time, we will have a number of manufacturers and suppliers with flood protection products at the events who will exhibit their ideas, and be on hand to discuss the ways in which those affected by the recent floods could reduce the impact if they are flooded in the future.”
Richard Thurston, chairman of the Osney Mead Residents Association in Oxford, said: “Anyone whose home was affected by the summer floods will know how devastating a flood can be. By taking some simple, and relatively cost-effective steps, it's possible to reduce or even prevent the impact of any future flood event and safeguard your home.
“We will have a number of manufacturers and suppliers from flood protection products at the events who will exhibit their products and be on hand to discuss the ways in which those affected by the recent floods could reduce the impact if they are flood in the future.
"Please see the National Flood Forum's website for ideas and products that might help - www.floodforum.org.uk then come and meet the experts."
Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Over 1,600 homes and around 80 businesses across West Oxfordshire were affected by this summer’s floods causing millions of pounds worth of damage. We are delighted to be supporting this initiative – it is an opportunity for anyone with concerns for the safety of their homes and family to come along and acquire a great deal of useful information to help protect themselves.”
Kate Vincent, flood incident management team leader, said: “We are really pleased to be able to support these events, which follows on from the flood surgeries we held in Oxfordshire in August.
"Working with the National Flood Forum to run fairs like these, gives residents an idea of some of the products available out there which may protect their homes during events such as those we experienced during the summer.”
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Doc reference: |
DF/252/07 |
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Contact: |
