Landowners of temporary campsites urged to put a
flood plan in place.
Farmers and landowners setting up temporary camp sites
for cycling enthusiasts next month are being urged to have a flood plan in
place to keep campers safe.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to line
the route of the Tour de France when it travels through some of the most
beautiful parts of Yorkshire on July 5 and 6.
Most of these areas are also prone to flash flooding
during summer thunderstorms, which could lead to waterlogged fields and rising
rivers and streams.
Although we’re all hoping it won’t be a wash
out, the Environment Agency wants to ensure campers stay safe and is urging
landowners to have a proper plan in place should the heavens
open.
Flood manager Innes Thomson said:
Thunderstorms can be really difficult to predict and
flash flooding can happen very quickly. We want to ensure that anyone camping
in the area can stay safe by knowing what to do in the event of a
flood.
Landowners and campsite owners can play their part by
having a plan in place which highlights what action needs to be taken in an
emergency situation.
Flood resilience staff will be out and about before the
Tour begins to provide information to as many campsite owners as possible. But
if you’re allowing people to camp on your land Environment Agency advice
is:
- Ensure visitors are aware of the risk and know what to
do in a flash flood;
- Prepare a plan for flash flooding just as you would for
a fire;
- You
are likely to have little or no notice and you may have to take action before
emergency services can reach you;
- Think about who needs to do what and identify a safe
place for people to go;
- Never walk or drive through flood
water.
- Also ensure that your site facilities are set up
correctly to avoid polluting any nearby rivers or streams.
For
more information about how to prepare for flooding, including putting together
a flood plan, visit gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood
To
get the latest information and check the three-day flood forecast visit our flood warning pages or call Floodline on 0345
988 1188 or 0845 988 1188.