Snow has long been winter’s way of bringing disorder, we have seen a little this year but flood water brought greater problems.
Flood warnings arrived across the UK in January 2024, the cumulative effect of named storms. We feel sympathy for those in the Midlands and elsewhere who suffered badly, although our own county has seen a fair share of flooding.
The Thames burst its banks, submerging parts of Chertsey, Walton, Sunbury, Molesey and Egham, along with other places nearby and upstream. The worst floods for a decade and along with the direct outcome on property, there’s a need to take care.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Flooded roads were closed in Surrey and people evacuated from homes, or businesses. The police, fire and rescue services asked for caution.
Driving through deep water may seem brave but is dangerous and if you ignore road closure signs, your insurance might not pay out. There is also a danger from submerged issues you can’t see in murky water, as there is for pedestrians.
The advice on walking through floods is the same as driving, do not take the risk. Manholes, or other covers wash out of place, leaving large holes, other objects you would not want to walk into are hidden, as is water contamination.
If you have no choice, try to wear waterproof clothing and use a stick to feel the ground in front of you, you are in effect blind.
Why Is This Happening?
Floods have happened for millenia but overall weather patterns we are seeing have not, with records regularly broken for rainfall and temperature.
The climate change we are experiencing is warming the atmosphere, which allows air to hold more moisture, creating heavier rainfall. An outcome which can only worsen if global action is not taken.
Along with changing the climate, we have spent centuries depleting nature’s protection from flooding. Vast areas of peat and marshland which soaked up excess water have been drained, flood plains built upon.
Hoping for significant behavioural change is worthwhile. This may happen but we are still likely to see further flooding and should be prepared.
A Removal Company’s View
Moving day is one of the most important in anyone’s calendar but not to the extent of risking our customers, or our staff. If a flooded area is involved, rescheduling may make sense, although this will not always be needed.
Planning journeys and being up to date with road closures is part of our business, as is creating alternative options. Live, online information and knowledge of the area can offer solutions to apparent barriers.
This could include a change of vehicles, or timing, whatever is required to put safety first and complete the move. As with any issue you encounter, our home removals team will be there to assist.
