Flooding brought travel chaos to the region earlier in the year

A new 44-page booklet for Oxfordshire residents lists revised procedures for what can be done if the devastating floods of January 2003 repeat themselves this winter.

The booklet has been put together by Oxfordshire County Council's Emergency Planning Unit along with the emergency services, the Environment Agency and Thames Water.

It follows nine months of consultation and discussion with residents and businesses, after flooding caused chaos across the county earlier in the year.

I hope residents will make use of the text messaging system that we have already publicised John Kelly, Oxfordshire County Council's emergency planning officer

The River Thames in Oxfordshire and Berkshire suffered its worst floods since 1947, leaving many homes underwater and causing transport problems across the region.

The revised steps include: "New ways of maintaining road closures, a new text messaging service to give an early warning of floods, helplines, confirmation of existing evacuation procedures and self-help advice for residents."

A disaster recovery firm has also been drafted in to give advice, and research is being carried out to look at ways of using mobile warning sirens when floods are imminent.

Councillor John Farrow, executive member for community safety, said: "We have spent the last nine months listening to residents and reviewing our procedures.

Demonstration of siren system

"I hope the publication of a revised flood leaflet in early November will provide help and guidance to those who have been flooded.

"We have good working relationships with our partner organisations and we have taken account of public feelings over communications issues."

John Kelly, the council's emergency planning officer, added: "I hope residents will make use of the text messaging system that we have already publicised.

"I will be arranging for a demonstration of a portable siren system which will re-enforce the imminence and seriousness of any other warnings".

The booklet is available in libraries and district and parish councils in the county.