‘Prepare, Act, Survive': Call to prepare for flooding to reduce impacts on mental health

East Lindsey District Council is supporting a call for communities to prepare for flooding to reduce impacts on mental health.
Hundreds of homes were affected during the floods in Wainfleet in June last year.Hundreds of homes were affected during the floods in Wainfleet in June last year.
Hundreds of homes were affected during the floods in Wainfleet in June last year.

Experiencing damage caused by extreme weather such as storms or flooding can increase the chance of facing mental health problems, such as stress and depression, by 50% - according to the Environment Agency.

A quarter of people who have been flooded still live with these issues at least two years after the event. research has shown. Low-income renters are amongst those most at risk

The Environment Agency is using Flood Action Week to call on people to to ‘Prepare, Act, Survive'.

Caroline Douglass, Director of Incident Management & Resilience at the Environment Agency said:: “Anyone who has experienced a flood will know just how extensive the impact can be on their lives – it’s not just the financial stress, it’s the loss of irreplaceable sentimental belongings and the strain it can have on those affected.

“We are already seeing more frequent and intense flooding as a result of climate change, so we would urge everyone to know the simple steps to take – such as moving possessions upstairs and preparing a grab bag with medicines and important documents – to help reduce the damage and keep yourself and your family safe.”

In June last year, in and around Wainfleet were evacuated after heavy rains led to the River Steeping bursting its bank. Some are still affected and living in caravans while their homes are renovated.

In the weeks following the disaster local authorities provided support for residents - and according to ELDC that is still available.

Michelle Howard, Assistant Director for People, said: “We welcome this advice from the Environment Agency and hope that it helps individuals and communities to be aware and prepared.

"Flooding can have a huge impact on the mental health of those affected but this can often be forgotten with the focus more immediately on damage done to property.

"For many people, the effects of such an event are long lasting and may not recognised until people start to process the extent of the event and its impact on them.

"Throughout the flooding event in Wainfleet we did our best to ensure that we provided residents with the necessary support through what was an understandably hard time.

"Through a partnership approach and with a dedicated Flood Recovery Link Worker, we were able to provide ongoing emotional support to residents as they looked to return to their homes.

"Our NHS partners played a vital role in providing access to appropriate mental health services, which remain available to people affected.”

To support its campaign this year, the Environment Agency has created a short film showing the devastating impacts that flooding has on a home and family. The film, narrated from a child’s perspective shows a dolls house with mouldy walls and carpets, ruined family photographs and toys, simulating the real damage that flooding causes. The film will be shown throughout flood action week to encourage people to think about taking action to prepare for flooding.

You can view the video here: