Preparing for Climate Change

We are already facing the impacts of climate change, and we need to adapt to these impacts. Preparing now can reduce risks to homes, communities and the wider borough. 

The main weather events that are affecting and are likely to impact Amber Valley in the future include:

• Floods
• Heatwaves
• Droughts
• Severe winds
• Storms.

We can all take simple steps to make sure we are ready for the extremes in weather:

Flooding

You don’t have to live near a river for your property to flood, in Amber Valley surface water flooding is a big issue. This is when rain cannot enter the drainage system so flows over the surface, this can affect your home even at the top of a hill.

To protect yourself and your home in a flooding event:

• Sign up for flood warnings here - Get flood warnings by text, phone or email - GOV.UK
• Check for flooding here - Check for flooding - GOV.UK
• Keep valuables, precious items and documents on higher ground
• Make sure you have insurance cover for your contents in your home, and the building if you own your own home.

To reduce the risk of flooding:

• Avoid tarmac or paving over the garden, as this prevents rain draining away, or use permeable paving
• Avoid removing trees/hedges/grass as they slow the flow of the rainwater
• Install a raingarden to collect excess water. See How to make a rain garden | WWT
• Install a green roof. See How to build a green roof for a shed or store / RHS Gardening.

There are many additional benefits to the above actions including enhancing biodiversity by providing more habitats, and improved air quality as plants and trees help to filter the air.

More advice on flood proofing your home is available on the Prepare for flooding: Protect your property - GOV.UK page.

Heatwaves and drought

Temperatures are likely to rise and we are likely to have more heat waves. The high temperatures can affect our health, particularly in young and elderly people. It may also affect the availability of water.

• Install blinds at the windows
• Keep your blinds, windows and curtains closed during the day time to stop the hot air getting in
• Open windows at night or when it feels cooler to allow the cool air to circulate your home
• To reduce heat generated in the home, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and considering cooking at cooler times of the day
• Create an area of shade in your garden where you can sit to cool off
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

For further information, please see Met Office tips for staying cool during the heat - Met Office and Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS

Try to conserve water:

• Install a water butt, it's a good idea to connect it to a drainpipe. The rainwater collected can be used to water plants and wash the car
• Reuse bath water to water plants
• Use mulch on the garden, a protective layer on the soil prevents moisture loss, you can also use pebbles, gravel, chipped bark, grass clippings
• Take shorter showers, you could even fit a low flow shower head
• Don't let water run while washing your face - brush your teeth while waiting for the hot water then fill a basin to wash or shave
• Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded, or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using
• Stop drips - a dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres a week, thousands in a year. Turn off all your taps fully and fix leaky taps around the home.

Storms

• Prepare in advance of any storm by securing any loose items in the garden
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Never walk or drive through flood water – just 15cm of fast moving flood water can knock you off your feet.

For more information and advice, please visit: Met Office

 

Contact the team directly on 01773 841332 or email climate@ambervalley.gov.uk