Guidance Session on Managing Summer Storms and Torrential Rainfall - Set for Friday, 23rd May
Get Prepared for Heavy Rain Risks in Bergisch Gladbach
Summer's here, and with the warmth comes an increased probability of heavy rain. These rain events are hard to predict, both in terms of location and time. As climate change progresses, they're likely to become more common.
Want to stay safe during heavy rain? Check out the informative session on Friday, May 23rd.
Heavy rain can cause smaller and medium-sized water bodies to swell instantly, leading to flash floods. This happens when the soil, especially on slopes, can't absorb the excess water. Drainage channels often become overwhelmed too. The warning time for such events is usually short in all instances.
Floods, regardless of their cause, can't be completely prevented. However, everyone should take precautions. According to the Water Resources Act, property owners are responsible for taking reasonable measures to protect themselves from flooding (§ 5 Abs. 2 WHG).
Rain Risks in Bergisch Gladbach
Properties next to waterways are most at risk in the event of a flood. However, special locations away from waters, such as depressions or below slopes, can also be at risk from flash floods and channel overloads.
Stay informed about the heavy rain risk in Bergisch Gladbach by using the heavy rain hazard maps. These maps have been available since 2021 and are regularly updated with the latest findings and data. The newest update is soon to be available online via Heavy Rain Hazard Map (arcgis.com).
For upcoming heavy rain events, you can find information online. For instance, the current warning situation for Bergisch Gladbach can be found at the German Weather Service - Official Weather Warnings and Weather Warnings (wettergefahren.de). You can also access these updates on your smartphone via the warning apps NINA or "WarnWetter".
A significant risk also comes from materials and objects washed away, such as garden equipment, green waste, furniture, or wood piles. Placing these items near waters can block the passage of brooks and cause additional water levels to rise. Therefore, it's strongly advised not to deposit any objects or garden waste near waters.
The city of Bergisch Gladbach maintains standby personnel from the wastewater treatment plant and the fire department for emergency situations. While they take preventive measures such as cleaning street drains and debris screens, their efforts might not always prevent severe consequences. In many cases, they can only perform damage control afterwards.
Preventing Flood Damage
To protect your property from heavy rain and flooding, consider taking preventive measures like securing basement spaces or safely storing valuable furniture. You can find tips and informational materials on the city's website (Heavy Rain - City of Bergisch Gladbach). Residents of seven municipalities in NRW, including Bergisch Gladbach, have access to the Water Risk Check, an online consultation service for risk assessment and prevention options. You can use this free service at https://www.wasser-risiko-check.de/.
Storing rainwater on your property, through methods such as green roofs or cisterns, contributes to flood prevention. This is because the water is retained locally, reducing pressure on channels and uncontrolled runoff. Additionally, these decentralized rainwater management measures can help reduce sewage charges.
The city encourages residents to learn about flood risks. On Friday, May 23rd, at 5 PM, an informative event on heavy rain will take place at the district office (Am Rübezahlwald 7, Bergisch Gladbach). The event includes two lectures on prevention and risk assessment at home, given by the Consumer Center and the engineering office Hydrotec from Aachen, as well as representatives from the city, the Rheinisch-Bergisch District, and the Flood Competence Center, and the information mobile unit.
Learn more here: https://www.unsere-webseite/news/51802/schutz-vor-starkregen-und-ueberflutung-informationsveranstaltung-fuer-buergerinnen-und-buerger-im-kreishaus-heidkamp
- As climate change progresses, more instances of heavy rain and subsequent floods may become common, making it essential to seek education and self-development in environmental science, particularly weather forecasting.
- Online education platforms such as the Heavy Rain Hazard Map (arcgis.com) provide valuable resources for staying informed about climate change, weather patterns, and potential risks in specific locations like Bergisch Gladbach.
- Personal growth and growth in understanding of climate-change-induced weather patterns can be achieved by attending informative sessions, like the one on heavy rain in Bergisch Gladbach scheduled for Friday, May 23rd.
- Modern technology allows citizens to access real-time weather updates and warnings on their smartphones through apps like NINA or "WarnWetter," ensuring personal safety during extreme weather events like heavy rain.
- To mitigate personal property damage from heavy rain and flooding, environmental-science education and online resources, such as the city of Bergisch Gladbach's website (Heavy Rain - City of Bergisch Gladbach), are crucial for learning preventive measures like storing rainwater or securing basement spaces.
