Forward Planning for Equinox Tides
Homeowners in Scilly in low-lying properties are reminded to plan ahead for the annual high tides at the end of September and October by the Council's Emergency Planning Department.
William Thomas, Assistant Chief Planning Officer, said "The tides are particularly high at the end of September and October and if they coincide with bad weather conditions there is a chance of flooding occurring in some areas just as it did in 2005."
"We would advise people living in vulnerable properties to start thinking about the precautions they may need to take now rather than leave it to the last minute."
In 2005, the combination of the equinox tides with severe weather led to flooding in many coastal communities. While property owners in known vulnerable locations are expected to take reasonable precautions to protect their property from predicted tidal events, extreme conditions could mean that the Council may have to deploy temporary barriers to deflect storm water.
The Technical Service Department is reviewing the contingency arrangements which could, if implemented, lead to some disruption for traffic, particularly in the Old Town Bay area.
The highest tides of the year will occur between September 26th and 29th, peaking in the evenings of 27th/28th. The weather is a major influence on whether the tides will cause flood problems. Tides could cause flooding if they coincide with stormy weather such as high winds and wave surges.The public are advised to study the weather forecast and plan now for protecting their properties from flood water rather than waiting until the event occurs.
Advice on sources and types of protection devices, such as flood boards and sandbags is available from the Environment Agency.
As a a precaution, the Council is arranging for extra gully and drain inspections with additional cleansing as necessary to make sure any flood water would disperse as quickly as possible. Tidal surge boards will be erected at the usual locations in Hugh Town and Porthmellon.
"We are liaising with the Environment Agency and the Met Office so we get maximum warning of any potential problems."
If any properties were flooded and people evacuated, we would set up rest centres to provide temporary shelter for 
those affected." Homeowners are advised to check their insurance cover for this eventuality.
Sea Safety
Another safety concern is the risk of people being stranded or cut off by the fast moving tide as the tide moves out further than usual, exposing areas normally covered by the sea. The public are advised to take some form of communication device (phone or radio) and/or tell someone where they are going if they intend venturing into areas that may lead to them being stranded. Remember that the Coastguard may be contacted via the 999 system in an emergency.
