All residents and businesses in Fenland are being urged to stock up on sandbags to guard against the risk of flooding this winter.

The Environment Agency has launched its annual Flood Awareness campaign and Fenland District Council is stressing the need for people to take active steps to protect themselves and their homes.

They should check whether they live in a flood risk area and ensure that they are signed up to the Environment Agency’s free Floodline Warnings system, as well as arming themselves with sandbags.

Council leader Cllr John Clark said: “As anyone who has experienced it knows, the effects of a flood can be devastating, so it is very important that people are well prepared.

“That obviously applies particularly to those who live in an ‘at risk’ area. But flash floods can hit anyone at any time, as we learned from the one a couple of years ago.

“The council has measures in place to deal with any large-scale emergency but individuals should also take appropriate steps to look after themselves.”

Fenland Council has only a limited supply of sandbags which are reserved for the Highways Authority and Environment Agency to use in an emergency.

Sandbags and sand are available from most DIY stores or builders’ merchants. It is advisable to get some to keep at home as stock levels get quickly depleted once flood warnings are issued.

Self-inflating sandbags are also available. Suppliers can be found on the internet or by contacting the National Flood Forum on 01299 403055 or at www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk. An alternative in a sudden emergency is to use heavy duty refuse sacks filled with sand or earth.

A general Preparing for Emergencies booklet can be viewed online at www.fenland.gov.uk/emergencybooklet.

Copies are also available at the Fenland @ your service shops in March and Wisbech and the community hubs in Chatteris and Whittlesey and the Chatteris Community Hub, as well as at business reception at Fenland Hall, County Road, March and libraries.