Flood Control - The Thames Barrier at Woolwich

When I was a teenager, I was fortunate enough to be taken on a day trip to the Thames Barrier many years ago, it was a church trip and we went on several outings actually.

A day out in Woolwich was very exciting for us all and we learned all about the Thames Barrier, which was built in 1982 as a flood barrier to protect London. After seeing the Cutty Sark gutted in the newspapers today, it brought back these memories as we also visited the Cutty Sark on one of our adventures so many years ago.

Anyway, here are some videos I found on Youtube, all about the Thames Barrier. The first video gives a small simulation on how the Thames Barrier would protect the country from the risk of a serious flood. As the polar ice caps are melting everyday, the ever growing threat of serious flooding is always looming at the back of my mind.

Thames Barrier Simulation

Thames Barrier by boat (good close-ups on this video)

Thames Barrier by plane


Why is the Thames Barrier at Woolwich?

The Thames Barrier was built at Woolwich because this is where the River Thames posed the greatest risk of flooding and water surges, this area is where the thames flows out into the North sea. The Thames Barrier has sensors to monitor the tide and monitors the threat of flood water coming through this area.

How about flood defences for other areas in the United Kingdom?

The thought has crossed my mind on several occasions that London has a flood defence, but is it right that other areas in the United Kingdom do not have these flood defences?

It has to be mentioned that flood defences will not protect us from weather changes such as excessive rain and snow....

What about flood defences and a flood contingency plan and emergency preparedness plan for unexpected disasters?

In the UK, we urgently need to have a flood contingency plan for natural climate change disasters such as torrential rainfall and snow. The main threat that we face in the UK is flood, especially as Britain is surrounded by water. If we were to have an unexpected downpour of rain and excessive snowfall with the unpredictable weather we have been experiencing now for some time, we can expect to see massive flooding, especially in areas closer to the rivers in the UK.


So, what is the current emergency preparedness plan for disaster in the UK?


Related Blog Topics

Flood Risk - What can we do now to prevent it?

Please take your rubbish with you

Related External Link

Environment Agency - How The Thames Barrier Works

BBC News Magazine - London's drowning

Spotlight on the energy saving lightbulb

I recently had to change one of the lightbulbs at home. The first thing I realised was that the bulb had lasted for about a year. It had previously been in the passage, but when the old style light bulb in the room blew up suddenly there was no immediate replacement so I took the energy saving bulb in the passage and put it in the bedroom. That was approximately a year ago.

Some supermarkets are selling these energy saving lights bulbs at half price and some at are selling at extremely cheap prices so that everyone can afford to buy them.

What are the advantages of using energy saving lightbulbs?

• It will save you money
• It will save energy
  
• Lasts a lot longer than a conventional lightbulb
• Energy saving bulbs with sensors are available (switches off at dawn, on at dusk)
• Good quality bright bulbs
• Can be recycled
• Looks nice - You can get these bulbs in a variety of styles and shapes now!
  

Update: 18 March 2008

I have read a few articles which state that some people have migraines or suffer from skin allergies when exposed to energy saving lighbulbs.....I have to root around to find the information but I will post the information later if I come across it again....