Flooding

[suzanne]

Just reading an article about whether enough has been done on the Thames to prevent the flooding this year.

Last year was the worst my family had seen in nearly 20 years. Throughout my life i've had a set of grandparents who lived on the thames outside Penton Hook Marina and grandparents and my great aunt living on the Thames in Shepperton near Walton Bridge. Many times have i seen the gardens covered, as a kid it was exciting. My grandparents at Penton hook passed away before the last floods. Im glad in a way because for the first time in 16 years of living there the water came up through the floorboards, it was heartbreaking and devestating. My Nan and Aunt in Shepperton didnt suffer any home damage because they are on the higher part of there road, but all on the lower had to be evacuated.

We all know the debate about the Jubillee river which could go on and on - the main message being sent out from the EA as far as i can see is be prepared.

My question is, how do you prepare, how do you stop all that water from destroying your property and in some cases livelihood, a couple of sandbags by the door may stop the water for a while but not for long.

Its December, the river sstarting to flow faster, i know that last years situation was not the norm, but all my nan has had through is a leaflet and keyring with floodline's telephone number on it - no real preparation ideas.

I just wondered if anyone has got any suggestions for stopping nature.

<hr width=100% size=1>Suzanne xXx

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

My sincere sympathies. We've often hankered after a house by the Thames but in recent years, the potential flooding has put us off
I have no personal experience of them but I do know of one company supplying demountable flood barriers. Go to
http://www.demflood.co.uk/

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[TargaLout]

Hi Suzanne,
I live at Shepperton, although we were not flooded - almost though. It was this actual time last year when the floods were at their peak. A 1 in 50 year occurance I think they said?
You should take a look here 2x very good sites that may help you?.
<http://www.shockerz.org/thames>
and <http://www.thamesawash.co.uk>.

<hr width=100% size=1><http://www.fairlinetarga37.com>

 

[davedpc]

Block up your doors & air bricks etc, dig a hole under the floor in the oversite, and use a large float controlled sump pump- and get the dingy off the boat.

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[BrendanS]

There are several systems on the market which will block airvents, and provide water proof barriers across doors (usually about 3 foot high, but can be higher).

eg <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.uk-flood-protection.co.uk/flood_protection.html>http://www.uk-flood-protection.co.uk/flood_protection.html</A>

These tend to be quite expensive, and if prepared, you can probably make a DIY job yourself with strong single piece waterproof boards and sikaflex. (though you might have problems getting them off afterwards) across normal doors, though patio windows might be more of a challenge.

Usually all that is needed is a board strong enough, and correct size. Once you have a waterproof seal, water pressure will be enough to keep it in place, though there could be problems with the doorstep. Don't underestimate the water pressure though, thin board won't be strong enough.

Some of the proprietory systems have permanently mounted channels into which you drop a panel. Others are hinged with water proof seals, and catches. I've not seen any reviews of how these systems perform though.

I don't understand why more houses near the Thames aren't built to be flood resistant. You only have to travel from Wargrave to Henley, to see the different techniques used, and putting the main building up on stilts of some sort, seems to be favoured by the older houses. Newer houses seem to have form over function, and not suprisingly flood more often.

<hr width=100% size=1> I asked an economist for her phone number....and she gave me an estimate

 

[robind]

Suzanne I sympathise whole heartedly, I believe that the E.A. are complacent in their actions or lack of them! because of financial constraint? I also believe that the councils on the banks of the Thames are also complacent in that they take it for granted that the E.A. actually know what they are doing by moving the previous flood area to another one lower down, by use of what is basically a culvert all be it a "Jubilee" one. I am absolutley disgusted by the actions of the Planners who refused Paul Daniels permission to raise his property a couple of feet on the basis that it would be seen over a tree line. Dont they know that trees can grow a couple of feet a year? All the above opinions are based upon what I have read in the news papers if you can believe them (now theres another story)

As for protecting a property from flooding a solid barrier such as sheet piles should be sunk into the ground around the property to a depth of 6 feet and at least "wash?" height above the highest expected flood level for 20 years to come. the soil connections will have to be converted to Maserator and the electricity re routed to accomodate the sheet piling (Ie over the top of them) sounds like a job for Jonny pleace) two large pumps 6 inch diameter at least, should be sunk into shafts (manhole rings a meter in diameter 6 foot deep) at each corner of the inner cordon one electric and one diesel and a siege mentality adopted ie a shift system to ensure that the pumps are eficient and that they keep up with the task, wow!!

The alternative is to pay your insurance and sit back and wait until they will not accept the risk anymore. it is beyond me that the insurance companies will not pay anything towards preventative action but do accept the risk?? sorry for ranting on
Rob

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rejuvanu.com>RejuVanu</A>

 

[suzanne]

Sounds like you might have experienced this yourself. My main concern as the winter moves on, is that i am in Southampton, my Nan is in Shepperton and when the floods come, she'll be down wading through the water checking the boats and clearing the silt as the water moves lower. It frightens the hell out of me!

Personally i think some sort of personal support system should be set up where in the thick of things someone should check on people at least twice a day. Forunately my nan lives in a road where they are very neighbourly and help out each other. Last year the Police would come down in their Landrover, whether they thought it was ok to or whether they just didnt think i dont know, but one house on the lower part was surviving by a thread, when the Police Landrover went through the road - no one else was allowed to, at quite a speed creating a big wave consequently they flooded their living room.

I understand that mother nature is hard to prevent, but i dont think there is enough awareness, to boat owners creating wash in floods that dont live by the river, to local authorites and what service they need to provide.

Someone needs to do some research somewhere!

<hr width=100% size=1>Suzanne xXx