Tidal flooding - Evacuation notice
As a result of risk to life from severe coastal flooding we advise that you evacuate your property.
Specific areas have been identified as being at high risk of flooding and plans are in place for the evacuation of homes, businesses and other properties in those areas.
There are two times on Friday 13 January when specific locations are at greatest risk of flooding.
Around midday on Friday the Environment Agency is anticipating severe flooding in the following areas:
Felixstowe Ferry and Bawdsey Quay Felixstowe Ferry Hamlet and the Deben Marshes Isolated riverside properties on the Deben Estuary Tidal Orwell at Ipswich Quay
Where possible, if you live in one of those areas you should make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the affected areas. Alternatively, rest centres have been identified for people who are likely to need to relocate.
A rest centre has been established at Brackenbury Sports Centre High Road East, Felixstowe, Suffolk, IP11 9JF and will be open from 8am Friday 13 January.
Around 9pm on Friday there is anticipated severe flooding in the following areas:
Lowestoft seafront and docks North bank of Lake Lothing Oulton Broad nr Mutford Lock Snape, Iken and surrounding marshland Southwold and surrounding marshes
Rest centres will be open in the following locations from 2pm Friday 13 January
Leiston Leisure Centre Red House Lane, Leiston IP16 4LS Water Lane Leisure Centre, Water Lane, Lowestoft NR32 2NH Carlton Colville Community Centre, Hall Road, Carlton Colville Lowestoft NR33 8BT If you need help with transport to a rest centres or have any other questions you can call Suffolk County Council’s helpline on 03456 032814, which is open from 8am Friday 13 January.
The following advice is offered for those preparing for evacuation:
o Stay calm and do not panic.
o Police officers and / or other officials will try to visit all properties at risk to advise on the requirement to evacuate.
o If road conditions permit, move vehicles to unaffected areas for example higher ground and ask friends / family if you can share their parking facilities.
o You will hear about your evacuation point for transport and the location of the reception centre either verbally or by a leaflet.
o Try to check that any elderly / vulnerable family members or neighbours know about the evacuation.
o Try to inform family members / friends as to where you are evacuating.
o Listen to the advice of the authorities and follow any instructions to leave the property.
o Take special foods and medicines.
o Switch off gas and electricity.
o If possible, move electrical equipment and furniture upstairs.
o Any furniture that you cannot move upstairs, try to raise well off the floor.
o Do not forget to lock all doors and windows.
o Block doorways and air bricks – sandbags are not available via local authorities
o Avoid walking and driving through floodwater, there could be hidden hazards.
Residents in the areas likely to be affected are advised to review advice from the Environment Agency on preparing your property for flooding: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31644.aspx and take all necessary steps. People can also find out more information by calling the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
We would also urge you to monitor local media for updates.
For more information follow Suffolk Police on Twitter @SuffolkPolice.