Council announces floods resilience conference for 2013
Issued by City of York Council
City of York Council will host a flood resilience conference with city-wide partners in York, in 2013, to discuss just how the city can better support residents and businesses during and after flooding occurs.
Government has confirmed that its subsidy for private insurers in relation to floods is due to come to an end in June 2013. With the city having experienced flooding twice already in 2012, the council is looking to explore how major insurance companies can help both residents and businesses affected by flooding beyond this date.
Aiming to share lessons learned from the September and November floods this year, the council will invite emergency services and partners across the city to highlight the support on offer to residents and businesses.
The conference will also seek to address how businesses can further protect themselves with the support of partner organisations across the city who work to supply and install products which offer protection for properties from the elements.
The issues, initiatives and support intended for discussion at the conference will include; community based flood stores (sand bags and flood sacks); personal flood protection measures, including flood barriers to front doors and air grates; community based flood wardens; information on alert systems already in place through the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and the council; information on the council’s Flood Relief Fund; and support and information on the city’s clear-up works, for those areas affected by flooding.
Cllr James Alexander, Labour leader for City of York Council said: “We are hosting a flood resilience conference for our residents and businesses early next year, so that they are aware of what support is available to them before, during and after flooding occurs in York and to discuss some of the effective measures for protecting homes and businesses, some of which can be done as a community.
“We will also be discussing with major insurers, in the city and beyond, those issues York residents and businesses have highlighted to us in accessing insurance, ensuring claims are processed quickly and getting replacement items which will future proof them against further instances of flooding.
“We need insurers to recognise the extensive work on flood defences which has taken place in the city and will be inviting them to discuss the issues raised directly with residents and businesses on the day.”
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