SILHILLIANS who live in a flood zone can sign up for a new Solihull-based alert system.
Following the flooding in June 2021 Solihull Council have set up the online tracker and created leaflets to help residents understand the roles and responsibilities of different organisations and how to prepare for a flood and minimise damage.
After flooding in 2018 live watercourse cameras and level sensors were installed at key locations and the authority hope this along with the new the alert system, leaflets, cameras and sensors will all help to improve awareness and understanding of floods.
Members of the Dorridge District Residents Association (DDRA) have been keen to work collaboratively with the Council to develop resources for their members.
Chair of the association, Jeanine Plain-Jones, said: “We recognise that any area in the borough has the potential to suffer from surface water flooding.
“We have been working with staff in the Council’s Highway Infrastructure team for some time now to ensure that our residents can prepare for floods and take appropriate measures to protect their properties.
“We welcome the flood alert system and the new leaflets which will help to ensure that residents are fully informed about the different types of flooding and how best to prepare.”
Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “In 2021 a severe storm caused flooding for hundreds of our residents and some people were even forced to evacuate their homes. Our staff were on hand to make sure people were safe and directed residents as best as possible.
“Since then, the team has secured over £1.6million in funding from the Environment Agency to protect the homes of all those affected through flood resilient doors and other features.”
The automated flooding alert system can be accessed via Twitter @SMBCfloodalert
