A new flood resilience campaign – ‘Prepare’ – has been launched by Cambridgeshire County Council to coincide with the Environment Agency’s national Flood Action Week (13–19 October).
Designed to help residents and communities across the county become more resilient to flooding by taking simple, proactive steps, the initiative follows a motion passed by the council earlier this year, which called for improved flood preparedness and clearer communication around flood responsibilities. It recognises that many residents are unaware of the risks they face and the actions they can take to reduce them.
The campaign is particularly aimed at residents in high-risk flood areas, riparian landowners, existing and potential community flood groups, local stakeholders, and parish councils.
A report on flood resilience in England published earlier this week by the Government’s cross-party Environmental Audit Committee warns many communities still do not know who is responsible for managing flood risk where they live, which can delay the local response to flooding. The report also found that public awareness of the risk of flooding is ‘dangerously low’, with too many people not understanding the risks they face, how to respond to warnings, or how to protect their homes, leaving lives and livelihoods exposed.
In support of these findings, Cambridgeshire County Council is stepping up efforts to ensure communities are better informed and prepared.
The council’s ‘Prepare’ campaign focuses on:
- How to check flood risk using online tools and maps.
- How to create a personal or household flood plan to stay safe and act quickly.
- How to assemble a flood kit with essential items in case of emergency.
- Who is responsible for the various types of flooding, for example surface water, river, and groundwater.
- Clarifying riparian ownership responsibilities (for landowners next to watercourses).
Mitigating flood risk is a shared responsibility, and the Council works closely with partner organisations including the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards and Anglian Water to manage this risk locally.
Residents are encouraged to act now, rather than waiting until flooding happens.
Chair of Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Councillor, Ros Hathorn said: “Flooding can devastate communities, and is a growing risk. Flood prevention is a team effort and requires action at Government, community and individual level. Being prepared makes all the difference.
“This campaign helps to empower residents with the practical tools they need, from flood plans and household kits to insurance guidance and local support networks.
“I would urge everyone to take a few minutes to be aware of their flood risk - it’s a small step that could protect your home and loved ones. By taking action now, we can reduce the impact of flooding and build more resilient communities.”
Some low-cost ways to protect your home and belongings:
- Know your flood risk: check flood maps and sign up for alerts.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include essentials like water, food, torch, batteries, and important documents.
- Create a home flood plan - know evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
- Understand riparian responsibilities - if a watercourse runs on, under, or along the boundary of your land, you may be responsible for managing it.
- Get involved locally - communities are more resilient when they work together. If there isn’t a community flood group in your area, consider starting one.
As part of the campaign, practical advice and resources will be shared via the council’s website and social media channels. This includes how to sign up for flood alerts, report flooding to the appropriate authority and access support to form or join a community flood group.
For more information and to get involved, visit: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/flood-prepare, or follow our campaign on social media, using #CambsFloodResilience.
