Flood Consultant urges everyone to ‘do their bit’ over flood risk from flash flooding

July 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Laurence Waterhouse, a UK based flood consultant, asks everyone to be aware of the risks that sudden thunderstorms and periods of heavy rainfall present.

Many flooding events are due to surface water flooding and are caused by drainage systems that are unable to cope with a sudden and exceptionally large amount of flood water.

Laurence says “ It is at this time of year when thunderstorms are expected due to the warm weather,  that problems occur. I speak from experience in that a flood affected my village four years ago (June 2007) when an innocuous drainage ditch and culvert overflowed due to the amount of water running off local land, affecting several homes in the village.”

Laurence urged that local authorities, parish councils, farmers and everyone living near a water course or culvert should ensure it is fit for purpose. He said “ At this time of year dykes and ditches can become overgrown or can be filled with debris such as grass cuttings or overhanging shrubbery. Anything that affects the smooth flow of water should be dealt with. It is vital that pipes and culverts are not blocked by the usual debris associated with modern life (bottles, tins, cartons, fly tipping and even garden waste)"

Flooding is not just a winter problem and water courses need maintenance  - 12 months of the year.

Laurence was a past trustee of the National Flood Forum (NFF) and well as the Chairman of the NFF 2009/10. He is a flood consultant in the UK and  he is also on the ‘experts register’ at the United Nations Development Program specialising in Climate Change. He offers a free advice line for any flood related questions on 0560 3449754

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LWC Ltd are Independent Chartered Surveyors specialising in Domestic and Commercial Flood Surveys. They advise local domestic clients as well as local authorities and the Environment Agency on flooding issues. They offer a free advice line on 0560 3449754 offering advice on any flooding matters or email lwc@fastmail.fm