Published on:
19
October 2022
With the days getting shorter and temperatures starting to fall, Clackmannanshire Council is putting its winter operations into motion to ensure it can play it’s part in responding, whatever the weather.
And with climate change bringing more extreme weather, particularly storms and floods, additional tools have been purchased for use by our Flood Groups in Alva and Tillicoultry to help protect local people and property.
Water-Gate flexible barriers are now available in Clackmannanshire. A temporary flood barrier, water gates can be quickly deployed, and are reusable, portable and replace the need for hundreds of sandbags.
The Council, and other emergency responders, have been supporting communities to come together to respond to emergencies and incidents and as a result five towns have established Resilience Groups.
Representatives from these groups recently came together at Alloa Fire Station to see the Water-Gate barrier being ‘wet’ tested. They were joined by Spokesperson for Partnership, Third Sector and Digital Strategy Councillor Craig Holden.
Cllr Holden said: “I was impressed to see the Water-Gates being tested. It’s a great alternative to sand bags and uses the weight of the water to hold the water back.
“I was also pleased to meet the volunteers from our local Community Resilience Groups who are making our communities stronger and more resilient to emergencies by complementing the work of the Council and the other emergency responders.”
Station Commander Michael Henderson said: “Scottish Fire & Rescue service (SFRS) crews from Tillicoultry and Alloa recently undertook a joint training exercise with our local flood groups from the Hillfoots area to demonstrate the practical application of the innovative water barrier. This piece of equipment and our commitment to address the localised impact of climate change will reduce the risk to our communities. SFRS continues to work in partnership to provide resilience in the local area.”
Bryan Denny from Alva Community Resilience Team (ACRT) said: “ACRT has already started winter preparations by removing rubbish, leaves and sticks from the Carnaughton Burn to help prevent issues later on. The Water-Gate barriers are a further great addition in our tool kit should the main Alva Burn flood; these barriers will be used to guide the water back into the channel preventing properties from being flooded as has happened previously. ACRT is very grateful to the Council, Scottish Flood Forum, and our other emergency services for the support they have shown us since we formed in 2020 to help prevent flooding in our community.
Should you wish to be involved and help just get in touch via our social media pages.”
Tips on the steps you can take to prepare your home, your family, and your business for the unexpected this winter are on the Ready Scotland website