Flood awareness campaign gets some welly in Neath

Environment Agency Wales’ Flood Awareness Wales campaign has received the support of the Assembly Member for Neath Gwenda Thomas, at an awareness event held earlier this month (Thursday 9th September).

The Neath Abbey Tesco store is one of 16 locations across Wales to be visited by the Agency’s Welly Boot Tour, which forms the initial part of a wider flood awareness raising campaign.

Gwenda Thomas, AM, said: “I am pleased to support Environment Agency Wales' Flood awareness campaign. I was impressed with the information packages that are now available and with the advice that can be provided to home and business owners who maybe at risk.”

Knowing that our properties maybe at risk and being aware of how we can prepare to meet this risk could ensure people's safety and reduce the damage that maybe caused by flooding. We should all take heed of this message.


Flood Awareness Wales Project Director Gareth O’Shea said: “Climate change is having an impact on our weather patterns and flooding is likely to become more frequent. We need to raise people’s awareness of this increased risk and work with them so that they can become more prepared. We’re delighted that our Welly Boot Tour could visit Neath Abbey Tesco. We hope that our giant wellies will have caught the attention of local people and will motivate them to check whether they are at risk from flooding."

Gareth added: “Our flood awareness officers have already been out in force in the nearby communities of Cwmtwrch, Ystalyfera, Glynneath and Glyncorrwg, helping people there to understand and manage the risk they face. We’re seeing more and more people becoming aware that although flooding cannot be completely prevented, its impact can be minimised by taking simple steps in advance. Don’t be the only one who isn’t prepared.”

As the campaign progresses, flood awareness officers will also be looking to deliver the ‘be prepared’ message in Port Talbot and Resolven later in the year.

The Agency's Flood Awareness Wales campaign effort focuses on direct engagement with those communities with a high risk of flooding but where awareness of the risk may be low.

Flood Awareness Wales can help you find out if your home or business is at risk and provide advice on what you can do to prepare for this, reduce the impact of flood water on your property and ensure your own personal safety in a flood.

To find out if your property is at risk of flooding call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.

For flood awareness advice or to download a personal flood plan visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwales or contact the Flood Awareness Wales team via email at floodawareness.wales@environment-agency.gov.uk.

‘Flood Awareness Wales’ is a Welsh Assembly Government funded project.