Visitors to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will get an insight into how London’s firefighters respond to flooding incidents and the difference a garden can make.
For the first time, London Fire Brigade will be exhibiting at the event, which takes place from 24th to 28th May, and this year has a focus on sustainable solutions through planet friendly gardening.
The Brigade’s spectacular ‘Act on Flooding’ stand, located in the Great Pavilion Discovery Zone, has been designed to highlight the issues of flooding in urban areas and will feature a tank with a fully submerged car to show the worst-case scenario flooding incidents firefighters could be faced with.
It will also explain how permeable paving and extra planting can reduce the risk of flooding in people’s homes and what people should do if they are affected by flooding as well as how to prepare for it.
Staff including frontline firefighters will be on hand at the stand to explain how they deal with flooding incidents as well as what people can do to lessen the impact of such occurrences on their homes and livelihoods.
The plants on the stand have been provided by Stonebarn Landscapes and the Brigade is also showcasing one of the new RHS Plant of the Year entries for 2022.
Grown by Whetman Plants and exclusively sold by B&Q, ‘Electric Dreams’ is a special dianthus. Combing an intensive number of electric pink flowers, irresistible scent, bloom from April – first frost and a compact, evergreen body, Electric Dreams will be revealed for the first time as part of the Brigade’s exhibition.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Operational Policy, David O’Neill, said: “Fire services are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change – from an increase in flooding incidents to tackling grass fires in prolonged periods of hot weather as well as dealing with other weather related calls.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand throughout the week so we can highlight to Londoners how they can make small changes which could help protect their homes and communities from flooding.”
Flooding emergencies are one of many types of incidents which firefighters respond to, helping to rescue people from buildings and diverting floodwater away from property.
Flooding incidents increased by 12% in London last year compared to 2020, with more than 7,000 flooding-related calls in total throughout 2021, There were several incidents of flash flooding across the city last summer, with Control Officers taking more than 1,000 calls on two separate occasions.
While Londoners are encouraged to call 999 in an emergency, for example if there is a risk to life, in the case of a flood, people should call the Environment Agency’s Floodline, 0345 988 1188, or contact their local council for advice.
Significant incidents last year included crews rescuing five people from a car which got stuck in flood water in Worcester Park and assisting partners at a hospital to remove flood water and ensure the safety of patients.
Dr Fiona Twycross, Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, said: “Last year, we saw the devastating impact of flash flooding in our capital and this upcoming exhibit is a great opportunity to highlight and raise awareness of what we can all do to protect the environment, our homes and communities from extreme weather and flash flooding.
“I'm really looking forward to visiting the London Fire Brigade’s ‘Act on Flooding’ exhibition stand along with Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues.
“Our city is immensely proud of our firefighters and other Brigade staff for the tireless work they do to keep Londoners safe, not only responding to critical and dangerous incidents but preparing for the very real environmental emergencies we face as a city.”
Stonebarn Landscapes with owner and RHS member, Jon Wheatley, said: “Stonebarn Landscapes is very proud to be associated with the London Fire Brigade exhibit at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”
London Fire Brigade’s ‘Act on Flooding Garden’ has been supported by B&Q and contractor Maverick.
