Following the record-breaking rainfall across Central Bedfordshire in recent days (the previous average rainfall in the whole of September at Woburn was 55mm, but over 140mm was recorded in some locations within 48 hours), officers continue to work with volunteers, town and parish councils, and emergency services in full response mode – prioritising the most vulnerable and providing support and guidance to the wider community.
An amber weather warning was issued by the Met Office around 11am yesterday morning for rain from 6pm to 6am, and existing flood alerts and warnings across the area mean that we are planning for similar situations at other locations, especially as further water reaches Central Bedfordshire from elsewhere.
Overnight we will monitor the situation and work with our emergency service partners, volunteers and communities to respond and support residents. For the latest information overnight, please check our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/flooding
Council officers and volunteers are out in at-risk communities today, door-knocking and delivering leaflets to ensure our communities are prepared.
Please note the following:
- The 24-hour CBC helpline for vulnerable people needing assistance during the flooding remains open: 0300 300 8500
- Any risk to life should be reported to the emergency services (Fire) on 999.
- Information is available and being updated on the council’s website including information about local Community Emergency Hubs, flood warnings, and advice about how to prepare for floods
- The website also contains advice and guidance about what to do if you have been flooded
Make sure you engage with your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordinator, where there is one. Check this web page to see if your area has a CERT.
You can contact CERT coordinators through their respective WhatsApp channels. If you are not sure about how to do this, contact emergency@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. The CERTs have access to emergency planning 24/7 and have our Duty Number too.
We have some provisional venues on standby as local community emergency hubs which people can attend for information and support. A hub is essentially a place of safety where people can go and get help, shelter and a warm drink if evacuation is necessary or if people choose to leave their homes. If and when these are open for use, CBC will update their website.
Biggleswade Town Council has opened The Orchard Community Centre as a community hub, daily between 9am and 5pm for anyone affected by the floods.
Central Bedfordshire is dealing with immediate and urgent responses to flooding in all our communities. This may have an impact on how quickly they are able to respond to other matters or questions about future flooding preparedness. The website is updated regularly so check there.