Stark warning over Shropshire's growing floods risk
Homeowners in Shropshire should brace themselves for more flooding in the coming years, an expert has warned.
Mary Dhonau, chief executive of the Know Your Flood Risk campaign, said the county was likely to suffer further flooding misery on a regular basis in future after the region suffered a soaking in 2012.
"It was the wettest year on record in the Midlands ever," she said. "Flooding is set to get worse – it is the biggest natural threat this country faces."
She made the comments before giving a presentation in Shrewsbury at Shropshire Council's Flood Insurance and Information Workshop.
The expert, whose own home in Worcester has been flooded 12 times, said families should draw up a household emergency plan to prepare for the possibility of flooding, addressing issues such as what to do with pets and containing a list of important contact numbers.
She also suggested residents put together a bag containing items such as essential medication and spare clothing that can be easily grabbed if flooding forces families out of their homes unexpectedly.
"There is nobody who is not at risk of flooding," she said.
About 40 people attended the event at Shirehall last night, which also featured presentations from representatives from Shropshire Council, the Environment Agency and the Association of British Insurers.
Among those attending was Carly Rose from Ellesmere, who is doing a PhD at the University of the West of England in Bristol.
She added that she also believes flooding will be a growing problem for communities in Shropshire.
"All the research I have read on climate change means there is no doubt in my mind we are going to have to deal with more floods as the years go by," she said.
"People think 'it isn't going to happen to me'."
She said it was important people take proactive steps to minimise the possible effects of flooding on their homes.
By Chris Burn
