Flood awareness play visits Inverness to empower Scottish children to prepare for flooding
Issued by SEPA
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has embarked on a school play tour which called in at Inverness this week to raise awareness of flooding, and highlight the need for preparation.
Children aged from seven to 11 enjoyed the play, the launch of which coincided with Floodline’s direct warning service receiving its 12,000th registration for free advance flood warnings.
The play has been specially written to reflect the key messages of SEPA’s Floodline campaign, to raise awareness among local schoolchildren of how and why flooding occurs, how it can affect a community, and how to prepare in the event of a flood.
As Scotland braces itself for winter, children at Merkinch Primary, Central Primary, St Joseph’s Roman Catholic School and Bishop Eden’s Primary – all Inverness – enjoyed a half hour production entitled High & Dry II: ‘This time it’s personal’, which links in to the Curriculum for Excellence. Following the lives of friends, Sophie, Jack and Murray, the characters bring to life the realities of flooding.
Over the past six years, SEPA has run similar programmes using drama to engage the younger audience with the serious issue of flooding as well as the bigger picture of climate change. This year the play will visit a number of primary schools across Scotland.
Professor James Curran, SEPA’s director of Science and Strategy, said: “Knowing what to do if flooding occurs is more vital now than ever, and getting younger people involved in a fun and entertaining way is an important and effective way to make sure that message is understood.
“We are providing the pupils with the sort of knowledge, understanding and practical ideas which they can take home to encourage their families to start taking action, so we can tackle flooding together.”
Split into four chapters the play has an array of weird and wonderful characters, each playing a role in exploring the science behind flooding and allowing serious messages to be delivered in a fun and engaging way.
Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee, said: “We are always keen to encourage fun and creative ways for children to learn about the challenges we face as a community and these plays are a fantastic initiative.
“It is important that children understand the effect that flooding can have, particularly on their families, friends, homes and personal property. I hope the young people return to their families and encourage them to register for SEPA’s Floodline service which provides valuable time to take action.”
Floodline can be reached by calling 0845 988 1188.