Pop-up campsites need to check their flood risk say Environment Agency

Farmers and landowners setting up temporary campsites for the summer holidays are being urged to have a flood plan in place to keep campers safe.

Flooding can happen very quickly bringing a significant risk to life and campsites can be particularly vulnerable. Taking steps to prepare for flooding, and knowing what to do in a flood, can significantly reduce risk to life. It can also reduce damages to a business.

The Environment Agency are advising all campsite owners to:

• check if they are at risk from flooding
• sign up for free Flood Warnings or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188
• follow Met Office weather warnings
• prepare a flood plan

Phil Hulme, Environment Agency Area Flood Manager for Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire said:

We urge all campsite owners to be aware of their responsibilities and to check their flood risk, owners should consider flood risk as seriously as fire risk.

Flash floods can happen at any time of year. Some area’s most severe flooding has happened during the summer months.

Last August (2020) Storm Ellen and then Storm Francis both hit in the summer holiday season bringing heavy rain.

Owners can find more information on how to prepare for flooding, what to do during and after a flood and how to prepare a site flood plan.