In the most recent issue of Flood Industry magazine, Adrien Baudrimont, Senior Research Manager, CIRIA, discusses three new CIRIA documents providing step-by-step guidance for communities, risk management authorities, and policy teams to work together in managing local flood risks more effectively.
Andrew says...
One of the clearest lessons from the Pitt Review after the devastating 2007 floods was the importance of collaboration and communication. A key recommendation was to “… provide better advice and help for people to protect their families and homes, as well as working together and sharing information.”
That call to action remains urgent. In the face of more frequent and intense flooding, local communities are stepping up, not to take over responsibility, but to support and sustain vital flood defences where official resources may be stretched. Recognising a need for guidance, CIRIA has released a new series of documents showing how community groups and Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) can work together to reduce flood risk through well-supported, safe, and achievable maintenance activities.
This guidance series is informed by the experiences of community groups already taking action. In developing the documents, CIRIA conducted surveys and outreach in partnership with the National Flood Forum, hearing from dozens of community groups across the country. These volunteers shared a clear message: many are already maintaining drainage systems, watercourses, and other flood risk assets, and they need better support to do so safely and effectively.
Read the full article over on the July/August issue of Flood Industry magazine.
