BeFloodReady Scouts event

Helping Scouts Get Flood Ready

Being prepared for flooding starts with understanding what could happen and knowing what to do. Practical activities can help give people the confidence to take steps themselves.

That was the thinking behind the first BeFloodReady youth badge event at Raywell Park Activity Centre, near Hull, on Saturday 17 October. Held during Flood Action Week, the day brought together more than 100 Scouts and flood resilience professionals to explore how households and communities can become better prepared.

We were delighted to volunteer and join industry colleagues to support the event, sharing our knowledge through activities that encouraged the Scouts to get involved, ask questions and try things for themselves.

Bringing flood resilience to life

At Watertight’s interactive Water Wall, the Scouts explored how water can flow back through drainage pipes during a flood and how non-return valves can help reduce this risk. Seeing the equipment in action helped explain a part of property flood resilience that is usually hidden from view.

Elsewhere, they tried their hand at installing a flood barrier and also completed their own property flood resilience survey, learning to spot possible routes for water to enter a building.

Knowing what to do

At Resilico’s preparedness pack station, the Scouts chose which items to include in an emergency flood preparedness pack. The task prompted conversations about what their families might need if they had to leave home quickly, from medication and important documents to something that would provide comfort.

Across the day, activities connected understanding flood risk with being prepared, acting safely and recovering after a flood. The Scouts recorded their progress in a BeFloodReady passport as they worked towards earning their BeFloodReady blanket badge.

Taking the learning home

The enthusiasm and questions throughout the day was brilliant. Each activity gave the Scouts something to think about, try or discuss with their families afterwards.

That reflects how we approach our work at Watertight: understanding the person, the property and the flood risk, then bringing together appropriate measures with the knowledge and preparedness needed to use them.

Thank you to the organisers, volunteers and industry colleagues who shared their time and expertise, and to the Scouts who took part so enthusiastically!

We look forward to supporting more opportunities with the BeFloodReady badge in the future.