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The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rainfall expected late on Wednesday and into Thursday of this week.

The warning covers Sefton and means that disruption to transport and flooding is likely.

Last week’s severe weather resulted in flood alerts in the Maghull and Formby areas of Sefton, and residents were supported at a temporary rest centre when river levels were dangerously high. As a result of the prolonged rainfall, much of the ground is still saturated in the area.

Sefton Council is monitoring forecasts to put necessary measures in place to protect residents and properties from any potential risk.

The Council has distributed its sandbag supplies to residents across the Borough already affected by last week’s weather warnings, and is urging residents who might be concerned about flood risk to ensure they have a stock of sandbags which can be bought from builders merchants or DIY shops.

Other flood preparations that residents might want to consider whilst the weather warning is in place:

• Find out your own risk of flooding before a flood happens. Floods can happen anywhere, and it is important to remember you don’t need to live by water to be at risk of flooding. Visit the government’s flood warning information service online or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
• If you are in an at-risk area sign up for flood warning messages from the Environment Agency’s Floodline online or by calling: 0345 988 1188
• Make a personal Flood Plan for what you will do if there is a flood. It could be used if you’re required to leave the house quickly for other risks.
• Think what you would take if you needed to evacuate and consider where everything could be kept.

Anyone concerned about flooding can find further advice on flood risk and what to do to protect their property on the Flood Hub website or Sefton Council website.

Residents can report flooding on a public highway or any blocked road gullies on the Sefton Council website using an online reporting form.

Should anyone end up with flood water in their property, they should report this to flooding@sefton.gov.uk with any photos to accompany the report.  

Reporting incidents will ensure that the Council can understand the extent and location of properties affected by incidents of flooding and allow officers to work with other flood risk management authorities to help reduce the risks and consequences of future flooding.

Roads may become impassable across the Borough later this week due to heavy rainfall, and people are urged to only go out if it’s essential. Accidents happen in fast flowing water so avoid walking or driving near floodwater and residents are reminded that there could be hidden dangers like sharp objects or raised manhole covers beneath the water. 

Sefton Council has installed new emergency equipment close to the lake at Southport’s Hesketh Park.

Housed securely next to the lake and accessible using a code that can be obtained by calling 999, the throwline can be used to help someone in trouble without the risk of anyone else entering the water themselves.

Storing it in the lockable cabinet will ensure the potentially life-saving equipment is in place when someone needs it. The throwline is registered with the emergency services, and if someone should get into trouble in the water, an access code can be obtained from 999 operators.

Instructions on the cabinet make it clear how people can access the throwline and how to use it safely.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Safety in our parks and around lakes, ponds and along our seashore is paramount to the Council so I am glad to see this new piece of equipment installed at Hesketh Park lake.

“Sadly, every year we have reports of life rings and throwlines going missing across the Borough, which can mean lives would be at risk should someone find themselves in difficulty in the water.

“As a solution to this, we have installed this secure unit at Hesketh Park, and are keen to roll out more of these secure lifesaving stations across the Borough.

“It is thought that there are only four similar units across the whole of the North West, so I am delighted that in Sefton we are able to look at lasting solutions which will ultimately ensure the safety of everyone enjoying our parks and greenspaces.”

Steve Thomas, Station Manager at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Chair of the Merseyside Water Safety Forum, said: “It is fantastic to see this potentially lifesaving piece of equipment installed at Hesketh Park. Members of the public should still remain vigilant and be very aware of the dangers of swimming in open water, particularly the effects of cold water shock – even during spells of warm weather.

“We would urge visitors to Hesketh Park and other waterside locations across Merseyside to NEVER tamper with throwlines or other pieces of safety equipment. You might think it’s only a bit of fun, but these items have been installed for a reason. If the equipment has been removed or tampered with, it could be the difference between life and death for someone who has gotten into difficulty in water.”

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the UK, and it is important for Sefton residents, and visitors to the Borough, to be aware of the risks and dangers when around water.

It is vital that people follow these important safety tips when near water:

• Never enter the water to try and help a person or animal – always call 999 and use any water rescue equipment if it is available.
• If you are going for a walk or run near water, stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge. Avoid walking or running near water in the dark, if it’s slippery or in bad weather.
• Never interfere with lifesaving equipment such as life rings as you may need it yourself, as might other people who might find themselves in distress.
• Swimming anywhere other than at a purpose-built and supervised swimming pool or water sports centre is highly dangerous and not recommended, unless as part of an organised club.
• There may be hazards under the water such as rocks, debris, broken bottles or even shopping trolleys, which can cause serious injury or may trap you.
• Even competent swimmers may struggle in open water so stick to swimming pools or beaches with a lifeguard and never go swimming alone.