Did you ever expect to live through a global pandemic? It’s not something that would have occurred to most of us, but 2020 has shown how important it can be to prepare for the unexpected. These stories from Somerset communities show how valuable their plans were when coronavirus hit, and how they are planning for the winter ahead.

Did you know that your community can apply for up to £5000 for training or equipment to be better prepared for emergencies? Watch this film to find out more, and hear inspiring stories about how other communities have used their grants to help themselves. You can also learn more by visiting our Funding Support page.

There is not a corner of the globe that has escaped the impacts of Covid-19. These interviews with some of the organisations involved with Somerset Prepared – the Environment Agency, Civil Contingencies Unit, Rotary Club and Somerset Rivers Authority – show how responses and plans have had to change, and how Somerset is getting ready for what might be a challenging winter ahead.

How’s your head? Improving mental health and resilience in difficult times (Film) (MIND in Somerset)

The stresses and strains of the past six months have taken their toll on many of the countless volunteers helping to keep our communities safe. Local specialists, Mind in Somerset, have produced this short film especially for this year’s Somerset Prepared online event.

The COVID 19 outbreak stopped us all in our tracks and changed the way we would traditionally carry out our work across the Environment Agency. Ryan Kennedy and his field team talk us through how they have adapted to be able to continue delivering key flood risk work and deliver other projects across Somerset whilst still protecting his team with new Covid secure health and safety regulations.

We take a look at Environment Agency staff reducing flood risk in Somerset whilst delivering environmental benefits. We also take a closer look at the North Drain pumping station and how, with the help of Somerset Rivers Authority funding, the Environment Agency are upgrading critical assets in the 70 year old pumping station.

In our communities, hidden talents are all around. The Covid-19 response has demanded a great deal from all of us, and these interviews show how some people’s skills have been a crucial part of the puzzle for their communities and beyond.

When flooding hits, the consequences are huge – from a mortal threat, to the financial impact and emotional toll. Groups of volunteers are quietly toiling away in our communities, helping people to be better prepared if the worst should happen, advocating for their towns and villages, and contributing to projects to reduce flood risks in their areas. You can also learn more about preparing for flooding through the Flood Action Campaign: Prepare. Act. Survive.

Flood Online Reporting Tool (FORT) Presentation (Environment Agency)

No-one knows a community as well as the people who live there. The Flood Online Reporting Tool is the way that anyone, from residents to flood risk authorities, can report flooding incidents, helping develop a better understanding of where flooding occurs and how best to reduce its risk and impact. Guy Parker from the Environment Agency will talk through how to use the new system.

The coronavirus has had far-reaching and tragic consequences, but there is another, more positive side to the changes affecting us all. These testimonials show how the people of Somerset have come together to support each other, and how our communities have stepped up to the challenge we all face. Each community’s response has been unique, whether through independent groups or helped by initiatives such as the Community Council for Somerset’s Good Neighbours Scheme.

Our local Highways team has been busy making plans for whatever the weather brings this winter. This film is about their Snow Warden scheme, which enables communities to help themselves and help each other, keeping us all safe this winter.

Dunball Sluice Tour and Future Plans (Film) (Environment Agency)

Dunball Sluice in Bridgwater is the only outlet for the King’s Sedgemoor Drain into the River Parrett, and is a key part of managing water on the Somerset Levels and Moors. John Rowlands of the Environment Agency gives a virtual tour of this key piece of infrastructure, and what it being planned to ensure it is fit for the future.