Flood and Emergency Information
FLOOD AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Recent events in Dawlish and Kenton have reminded us that floods can happen, so you may wish to make note of the following information:
Sandbag Store
The store is located in the New Road car park. When we have a flood warning, the store will be unlocked. If the store is locked and you need sandbags, keys are available from the Spar Shop during opening hours, or in emergency at other times from Megan Debenham 01626 890477 or 07508 958590 Tom McFarlane 07342 205617, or Tim Miles 07563 363767.
If you find the store unlocked when there is a risk of flooding, please do not lock it. It will have been left unlocked to make it easy to access sandbags quickly, and also for Teignbridge to make deliveries.
The store is managed and replenished by Teignbridge District Council. If more bags are needed, they can be obtained by ringing 01626 361101 during office hours, or 01395 516854 in emergency outside office hours.
If you have recently used sandbags, and no longer need them, please return them and stow them inside the store.
Generals Lane Flood Gate
The floodgate is shut by a volunteer team whenever there is a risk of flooding from high spring tides. If you open the gate to use the slipway it is very important that you shut it again afterwards.
Emergency Response Team
Starcross Parish Council has an Emergency Response Plan which can be seen on the Parish Council website: www.starcrosspc.org.uk
The Emergency Response Volunteer Team will help with raising the alarm if flooding is imminent, with moving sandbags, and with opening an emergency rest centre if needed.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer (and we could do with a few more) please contact Megan Debenham.
Developing a “Dutch mentality”
Our village has much in common with villages in the Netherlands, in that the centre of the village lies below the high tide line. We all need to be alert to the risk of flooding, and play our part in protecting our village by reporting faults in the drainage system.
Surface water drains on the roads are the responsibility of Devon Highways. Where they are blocked, they should be reported to Devon Highways through their online system. If there is an emergency, for example where deep flooding on a main road creates a risk of serious accident, this can be reported via the emergency number 0345 155 1004.
The main drainage system for both surface water and sewage is the responsibility of South West Water.
Backing up toilets (where not caused by a blocked drain on your own property) should be reported to South West Water, as they could be indicative of a wider problem.
More widespread surface water flooding (as opposed to just one road drain) could be indicative of a problem in one of the main surface water drains or stream culverts, or a problem with one of the pumping stations, and should be reported to South West Water. Problems can be reported through their online service, or if urgent by calling 0344 346 2020.
By reporting problems promptly, you can help to prevent things from getting worse, and reduce the risk of flood damage to all our homes.
Megan Debenham
Emergency Response Coordinator
