Somerset's flood victims attend information event in Chard
The event comes a month after the town was devastated by floods
Local people with concerns about flooding in Somerset attended an information drop-in event in Chard (Wednesday 26th February).
The event, hosted by Somerset Council, featured several agencies and volunteer groups including the Somerset Rivers Authority, the Environment Agency, local police, mental health support and the Rotary Club.
The Guildhall was full of information stands and expert advisors, on hand to give their advice and support for people who have been impacted by heavy rainfall.
The event was put on a month after a major flooding incident was declared in Somerset.
Volunteers at the Rotary Club were at the event to to talk to locals about their emergency response packs.
The free kit consists of compact, self-inflating bags, which you can use to protect homes against flash floods.
"You only need six inches of water to ruin your house," said Rotary volunteer David.
"The council are now supporting us with issuing these packs to people who were flooded.
"It's very gratifying to help. We did five houses in Somerton who rang us up last week to tell us the kit worked.
"I then went back to the homes to give them another one for next time. They really do work."
The club and other agencies will be attending three events in the coming weeks, to help communities better prepare for future storms.
"Unfortunately we can't always stop flooding," said Emma Gifford from the Environment Agency.
"It's a natural phenomenon when we get the conditions and weather events coinciding, but there is an awful lot we can do, both at a household level and a community level.
"From the very simple things such as putting precious items on a high shelf to other adaptations, such as hard flooring instead of carpets, putting plug sockets at a higher level.
"They can all reduce the impact of flooding.
"We know flooding has such an impact on emotional wellbeing.
"It's not just a home, it's a safe space and flooding has a big impact on mental health.
"If we can make flooding something that doesn't have such a huge impact, there's huge benefits."
The next drop-in event is at the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster at 4pm.