Get Set September week three: Flooding
For the month of September, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Highland, and Moray Councils are partnering for the Get Set September campaign, to help the public consider how to respond to an emergency or severe weather incident in their local communities.
Week three: Flooding
Residents in Aberdeen and the north of Scotland are asked to be prepared for flooding – before it happens.
Flooding to residential properties can happen very quickly, damage people’s homes, and frequently disrupts travel however there are steps people can take to be ready. Flooding is also happening more often due to changes in weather patterns.
Householders and businesses should be aware it is their responsibility to manage their own flood risk and protect themselves, your family, property, or business. During severe flooding, local authorities will work with emergency services and co-ordinate shelter for people evacuated from their homes.
People in flood-prone or high-risk areas should buy their own flood prevention measures such as flood barriers, flood bags, or door barriers. Sandbags are available from local builders’ merchants.
The steps that people can take to be ready include:
• Sign up to SEPA’s Floodline for up-to-date information on flood risks, flood maps if your property is at risk, and flood alerts or warnings
• Ensure you have adequate flood protection measures. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to flooding
• Make sure your insurance policy includes adequate coverage for the effects of flooding
Create a flood kit or flood plan for your home and/or business. It should include:
• Torch and spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Any prescription medicines you might need
• Warm, waterproof shoes and clothes
• Rubber gloves
• Bottled water and snacks
• Essential pet and children's supplies (like pet food and nappies)
• Insurance documents
• Passports
• Portable wind-up or battery powered radio (and spare batteries)
• A list of important phone numbers
Store your flood kit in a waterproof box and put it somewhere high up.
A flood plan for businesses should include staff contact lists, location map for key items, checklist of procedures and a copy of your insurance. Make sure your staff know what to do if flooding impacts the business or their travel.
• If you are vulnerable or elderly, prepare for flooding by ensuring you have enough essential food and medication beforehand
• If you have vulnerable neighbours or relatives, check and see if they need any essential food or drink
• Check Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Highland Council websites for protection measures available in your area
The Get Set September project is being led by Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland, and Moray councils to reach as many people as possible across the area.
Over the course of the month, information and advice will be shared around the themes of personal resilience, cyber security, flooding, and winter weather.
By taking simple steps to prepare for a potential crisis, residents can be in the best position to react while the council, emergency services and partners tackle it directly.