Council urge people to be COVID secure while offering support to flood victims

FOLLOWING the widespread flooding in Warrington, the council is urging people to keep COVID secure whilst communities are offering their support to one another.

Many localities were hit hard by severe flooding in the borough, with river level gauges showing record levels 450mm higher than ever previously recorded. With many residents offering help to one another, the council is asking people to provide assistance in a COVID-secure manner.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “It’s clear that Warrington has faced a challenging few days caused by the flooding and I am grateful for council officers, the emergency services, housing providers and other agencies for providing support to some of our most vulnerable and in-need through what were extreme and severe circumstances. I am also hugely appreciative of many of our residents who continue to offer their help to one another. It’s really important our communities keep checking on neighbours, people who may be isolated and those who may need additional support.
“The current national lockdown restrictions say that you should stay at home wherever possible, but if you know somebody who might need help, you can still provide care and assistance to somebody vulnerable who might need it. If you are offering help and support to others in your community, I would firstly like to express my sincere thanks. I would ask, however, that you are mindful of the current pandemic and do everything possible to remain COVID secure. This means following the guidance of ‘hands, face, space’, maintaining excellent hand hygiene and wearing a face-covering where necessary.”
What to do if you have been affected by flooding
If you’ve been flooded, please contact your insurance company and follow their advice. If you are a tenant or live in social housing, please speak to your landlord or housing provider as they will be able to offer guidance. If you need further help, please call the council on 01925 443322.
If you need to clear up your home, it is really important that you take advice from specialists before starting repairs to your property. Some repair work might need to be undertaken by professionals appointed by your insurers. This essential work will be able to go ahead in line with the current COVID restrictions.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly if you touch floodwater or items damaged by it. You may also be advised by your insurer to take photos and document damage to your property before you clean up.
You can find more information and guidance at warrington.gov.uk/flooding which details links to support for the steps you can take if you have been affected by flooding.