Maidenhead & Windsor

Residents in Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough flood risk areas are being reminded to follow the example of every boy Scout and 'be prepared'.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has teamed up with the Environment Agency, the National Flood Forum, Thames Valley Police and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to promote Thames Valley Flood Awareness Month during October – giving everyone the opportunity to find out how to prepare for flooding by demonstrating practical ways of minimising damage to property and learning how to stay safe.

There will be three special events in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough, bringing together a variety of flood protection ideas, products and services as well as providing help and information for people affected by, or at risk of, flooding.

* A major flood fair will be held at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre on Wednesday October 8 from 12 noon to 9pm.
* Mini flood fairs will also be held in Wraysbury Village Hall on Monday October 13 and in the Pinder Hall, Cookham, on Wednesday October 15 (both from 2 to 8pm).

Entry to all three Windsor and Maidenhead events is free and will provide the opportunity to:

* check if your home or business is in a flood risk area
* find out about flood warning services and how to sign up
* get advice on practical steps to protect your home from flooding
* pick up a range of information and check out useful websites
* check out the range of flood defence devices available to buy
* develop your own home or business flood plan.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, welcomed Flood Awareness Month and urged local people to attend the flood fairs.

He said: "Unfortunately flooding is a very serious issue for many people in the Royal Borough and the council is determined to work with residents to help them prepare. Experience shows that flooding is an all too real possibility and this special month helps underline how important it is to be prepared. We now seem to be experiencing more flooding than I can ever remember, in particular flash floods.

"As householders we are all responsible for doing everything we can to protect our homes. The flood fairs are great ways of keeping up to date with what's available to buy, as well as providing lots of advice and information to help minimise flood risk in the future. This year, we have seen house floods that have never been witnessed before in other parts of the country. We must be aware of the dangers!"

Mary Dhonau of the National Flood Forum said: "The 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 event 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."

Helen Green, flood awareness campaign coordinator for the Environment Agency, said: "We are really pleased to be able to support these events. 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 last summer."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead