Cambridgeshire County Council has launched a new flood resilience campaign aimed at helping residents and communities prepare for flooding across the county. The initiative, called ‘Prepare’, coincides with the national Flood Action Week organised by the Environment Agency, running from 13 to 19 October.
The campaign is designed to give residents practical guidance on reducing flood risk and responding effectively if flooding occurs. It comes after a motion passed earlier this year by the council called for clearer communication on flood responsibilities and better community preparedness. Many residents remain unaware of the risks they face or the steps they can take to protect themselves, their homes, and their communities.
Prepare targets those living in high-risk flood areas, riparian landowners, existing and potential community flood groups, local stakeholders, and parish councils. The campaign also responds to a recent Government report by the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee, which highlighted that public awareness of flood risk in England is “dangerously low.” The report warned that too many people do not understand who is responsible for managing flood risk in their area, how to respond to warnings, or how to safeguard their homes, leaving lives and livelihoods exposed.
Cambridgeshire County Council is taking action to address these gaps. The Prepare campaign offers guidance on checking flood risk using online tools and maps, creating personal or household flood plans, and assembling emergency flood kits with essential items such as food, water, torches, batteries, and important documents. The campaign also clarifies responsibilities for different types of flooding, including surface water, river flooding, and groundwater, as well as riparian ownership duties for landowners with watercourses running on, under, or alongside their property.
Flood mitigation is considered a shared responsibility, and the council works closely with the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, and Anglian Water to manage local risks. Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps now, rather than waiting until flooding occurs, to protect their homes and loved ones.
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee, emphasised the importance of preparation. “Flooding can devastate communities and is a growing risk,” she said. “Flood prevention is a team effort and requires action at Government, community, and individual levels. Being prepared makes all the difference.”
She added that the campaign equips residents with practical tools such as household kits, flood plans, insurance guidance, and local support networks. “I would urge everyone to take a few minutes to be aware of their flood risk — it’s a small step that could protect your home and loved ones. By taking action now, we can reduce the impact of flooding and build more resilient communities,” Councillor Hathorn said.
The council is also encouraging residents to get involved locally. Community flood groups strengthen local resilience, and anyone in an area without one is invited to consider starting a group. Simple steps, such as checking flood maps, signing up for alerts, understanding evacuation routes and emergency contacts, and maintaining awareness of local watercourses, can make a significant difference in mitigating damage.
Information and resources for the campaign will be available via the council’s website and social media channels. Residents can find guidance on signing up for flood alerts, reporting flooding, and accessing support to form or join community flood groups.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Prepare campaign is part of a wider effort to ensure residents are informed, equipped, and empowered to respond to flooding risks. By combining community engagement, clear guidance, and practical tools, the initiative aims to protect homes, safeguard lives, and strengthen resilience across the county.
