Kent Resilience Forum are offering FREE online Flood Warden training on Zoom on Thursday 13th October from 7-9pm, open to all members of the public, including:

• new flood warden volunteers;

• existing wardens who would like to refresh their training;

• the voluntary sector;

• Parish Councillors.

​Modules will include: the role of a flood warden, types of flooding, flood and weather warnings, catchment information, safety information and next steps.

The commitment

• Training takes just 2 hours to complete (training is currently online, with the next FREE course on 13th October from 7-9pm).
• Flood Wardens meet a few times a year to test their flood plan.

The Role

• Help local people prepare for flooding.
• Provide a vital link between your community and the emergency responders.

What you'll get

• Comprehensive handbook.
• Access to a whole host of resources.
• Support from fellow Flood Wardens.

It's been a while since we've had a substantial flood in Sandgate, but that's no reason not to be prepared.

You would be making a real difference to your community, helping the ensure the safety of neighbours, for a few hours a year. From https://www.kentprepared.org.uk/flood-wardens the responsibilities of being a Flood Warden include:

Helping the community before, during and after a flood

…before

• Identify problem areas within your community;
• Identify vulnerable people and properties;
• Write a community flood plan;
• Monitor watercourses within the community;
• Encourage sign up to free Flood Warnings.

…during

• Communicate the risk of flooding within the community;
• Help co-ordinate the community flood plan;
• Heed emergency services advice at all times;
• Share information from the Environment Agency and emergency services with residents;
• Encourage residents to take action;
• Collect flood event information.

…after

• Assist in the post-flood clear up if required;
• Continue to act as a communication channel;
• Collect post-flood data and photos;
• Assist in the review of the community flood plan.

If you are interested in becoming a Flood Warden, please contact the Kent Resilience Team to organise a training session at krf@kent.fire-uk.org or call 01622 212409.

We were delighted that Sandgate Library re-opened on 7th September for a Click and Collect and Home Library Service only. As of today, we can also allow users to browse and select their own books, although numbers in the library at any time will be necessarily limited.

Chairman of Sandgate Parish Council, Tim Prater, said:

"It's due to the dedicated work of our Clerk Gaye and volunteers that Sandgate was one of thirty three libraries across Kent to re-open, and the only library of our level. To be able to move, with Kent Libraries agreement, to a much more normal browsing service is, again, thanks to them.

"It has been been announced that the 66 Kent libraries that had not yet reopened this year will now remain closed until at least April. That's a real blow to those areas, but our management of Sandgate Library has allowed us to dodge that fate.

"So please, come along and visit our library once again. The team may be wearing masks but will definitely be smiling under them."

Numbers in the library at any one time will be strictly limited and wearing of masks, except for those with medical exemptions, is required. Track and Trace details will also be taken, and there is a Covid-19 app check-in QR code to scan. Staff will also be wearing appropriate PPE.

A Click-and-Collect loan service and Sandgate Home Library Service remains in place for those who want it or, because of age or disability, are unable to get to the library.

To book these services, borrowers call on the dedicated phone number 07552 810271 or by email to Sandgate.Library@kent.gov.uk.

Reading or listening choices can then be discussed with a member of staff, and arrangements made for a suitable time-slot when books will be available for collection or a Home Library Service delivery will take place.

Please note that Click-and-Collect & Home Library Service loans are for a maximum of 6 items per occasion and, for the time being, will be limited to the stock held within Sandgate Library.

In addition, there will be one WiFi area available at the front of the library, bookable via Netloan, but there will be no print facility for the present. Obviously, every effort will be made to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.