This is what Sheffield flood wardens do and this is why we need more of them

Gareth Slater is a flood warden - volunteers who are the eyes and ears for the Environment Agency (EA), who can provide local knowledge and who work constantly to try to build up defences.

Gareth, from Neepsend, signed up after the catastrophic events of 2007 because he wanted to ensure that level of flooding couldn’t happen again and thought becoming a warden was the best way to stop it.

He explained: “I’ve helped the EA calibrate the river gauge at St. Mary’s bridge which means the EA can provide advance warning of any flood risk from the upper Don.

“We also produce flood plans. I worked with the other flood wardens on the upper Don and the community group KINCA to produce a plan showing which areas will flood first and where to go to be safe in the event of any flooding.

“As preparation, I also organise litter picks to keep rubbish out of the river and ensure the grates don’t get blocked.”

If there is a flood, Gareth and his fellow wardens are drafted in as extra pairs of hands.

“We assist the police supporting people who have restricted mobility and we also receive information from the Met Office if a flood alert is due.

“I was able to warn people about potential flooding to their flats and so they could move their cars from a car park that later flooded.

“Flood wardens are a great example of local people taking responsibility for their neighbourhood and will be more needed in a time of climate emergency.”

Sheffield Council’s budget was passed this week, and Labour confirmed they would set aside £22million to protect Sheffield from the expected increased flood risk resulting from climate change.

If you are interested in becoming one, email the EA at [email protected]

To register for flood alerts, ring 0345 9881188 or search for flood alert on gov.uk