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Newton Abbot Flood Plan

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E n v ir o n m e n t Ag e n c y

NATIONAL LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICE

SOUTH WEST REGION

Manley House, Kestrel Way. EX2 7LQ

w -m u t J i I blic Information Leaflet Supported by: THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICT COUNCIL COUNTY COUNCIL Innrllinp 845 9881188 VIRONMENT AGENCY . iv. Newton Abbot is at risk of flooding likely to be caused by prolonged heavy Why Newton Abbot might flood rainfall on a saturated catchment, intense or rainfall over a short period as River Lemon were built after the floods in in 1979 and consists of a dam and upstream of the town centre, with storage area about 2 kilometres from the River Lemon. Flooding is occasionally experienced during summer thunderstorm activity. defences The against flooding from the remains a possibility that extremely have put together a joint plan to deal Newton Abbot. Plans are also in place channelisation throughout the towncentre. The defences will protecttown the from most floods, however, there severe conditions will overwhelm defencesthe and flood low-lying parts the of town. No defence can giveabsolute protection, it can only reduce is is at risk of flooding from the River the risk of flooding. BACKGROUND The Local Authorities, the EnvironmentAgency and the Emergency Services with the possibility of flooding in for other locations across the South West, including , which Teign. ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT AGENCY F ln n H lin 0845 9881188 p

f ' t .’//// v . ■ ■ ■ i / y j r RESIDENTS INFORMATION IMPORTANT: The following NEWTON ABBOT FLOOD PLAN people living in flood risk information is to advise areas of the arrangements unlikely that flooding will be alarmed. However it is important that you read this that have been put in place to deal with a flood. It is occur and you should not leaflet so that you are aware of what could happen, what and what help will be available. you can do to limit damage i \ •» > V i» ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A FLOOD?X'l'iVAVrV/iV. W hy is a Flood Plan required ? There are approximately 1000 properties at risk of flooding in Newton Abbot. Flood defences reduce the likelihood of properties flooding but they do not completely stop it. For the rare occasions when an extreme storm overwhelms the top of a defence, it is important that properties previously protected, are given a flood warning and that arrangements are in place so that Emergency Services and Local Authorities can provide effective assistance. People living in areas protected by flood defences should be just as prepared, as those who are at risk of flooding on a more frequent basis. Householders also have an important part to play in the overall plan. By taking a few basic precautions and being prepared to act promptly on receiving a warning, residents can considerably reduce the damage and stress which flooding can cause.

What will the Flood Plan cover ? The Environm ent Agency issues It is a joint plan, agreed by Teignbridge flood warnings District Council, Devon County The Police take an overall co­ Emergency Planning, Police, Fire ordination role and advise on the Service, Newton Abbot Town Council need to evacuate and the Environment Agency. Details The Local Authority prepares rest of the plan can be viewed in the local centres in case evacuation is library, at Local Authority offices or at necessary the Environment Agency offices at Highway Authorities post road Exminster. closure signs Fire Service and Local Authorities In simple terms, the plan indicates: provide assistance to deal with flooding.

To find out if your property is in an area at risk of flooding call - FLOODLINE 0845 988 1188 or check on the Environment Agency Website www.environment-aqencv.qov.uk/flood SUMMARY OF INFORMATION

Flood Risk - Understand why areas of Direct Flood Warning Service Newton Abbot might flood and check if Flood warnings will be issued directly to your property is in an area which might properties at risk of flooding in Newton flood. Abbot using local radio and TV and various other means such as loud hailer Be Prepared - Know what to do : and a leaflet drop.

BEFORE A FLOOD Other Local Flood Warning • Check insurance Information • Plan how to protect your property All flood warnings are serious. They are • Know how flood warnings will be issued broadcast on local TV and radio during news, weather and traffic reports. Keep DURING A FLOOD tuned to local radio for updates on the flooding situation. • Alert neighbours and assist the elderly or In your area you should listen to: infirm • Move people, pets and valuables to • BBC Radio Devon - safety 103.4/96/95.8/94.8 FM • Have spare warm clothing, a torch, a • Gemini Radio - 96.4 / 97 FM battery powered radio and waterproofs • Orchard FM - 96.5/97.1/102.6 FM to hand • Keep up to date with flood warnings on You can also keep informed by checking local radio ITV teletext on page 154; Ceefax 419. • Put flood boards in place or contact the local council who may be able to help Live Flood Warning Pages on the you locate a supply of sandbags Internet • Switch off gas and electricity supplies if www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood flooding is imminent • Do not enter deep or fast flowing water Flood Warning Information Line - think safety ! For recorded information about current • Take police advice on the need to flood warnings in your area ring evacuate. FLOODLINE on 0845 988 1188 and follow the recorded instructions. If you AFTER A FLOOD have a touch tone phone, you can / obtain information for your area more • Do not eat food which has been in contact with floodwater quickly if you key in the Quick Dial code • Check gas, electricity and water supplies when asked to do so. Use the Quick Dial and equipment for safety before use code 042132 for South Devon and • Contact your insurers Rivers and listen out for a • Ventilate your property severe flood warning for the River Lemon • Beware rogue repairmen. at Newton Abbot.

F ln n r llin p 0845 9881188

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SW -3/03-1 .Sk-C-BHBF Printed on 100% recycled THE FLOOD WARNING SERVICE FOR NEWTON ABBOT

The flood warning service is run by the Possibility of false warnings Environment Agency. It warns of the risk Flood warning is not an exact science. In of flooding from the flood defences and deciding when to issue flood warnings walls overtopping. It cannot warn for the Environment Agency has to balance surface w ater flooding due to localised the need for giving the public sufficient blocked drains. On the River Lemon time to protect their property, against there are gauges at and the need to reduce the possibility of Holbeam Dam which are monitored at issuing false alarms. Public warnings will the Environment Agency Offices in Exeter only be issued as a result of very severe and Exminster. weather conditions and indications that the flood defences will overtop. Warnings to the public at risk A Flood warning will be issued to Other causes of flooding in Newton properties at risk of flooding using a Abbot variety of methods, such as loud hailers • Heavy rain could also cause drains and a leaflet drop, when there is a and gullies to be overwhelmed, i.e. strong likelihood that the flood surface water flooding defences will overtop. The Environment It is not possible to provide warnings Agency will aim to issue the public for local flooding from surface water. warning at least two hours prior to the LOCAL RADIO STATIONS who will expected onset of flooding. The amount of advance warning of flooding in broadcast flood warnings and Newton Abbot is likely to be about two updated flood information. to three hours. • BBC Radio Devon - 103.4/96/95.8/94.8 FM Warnings will also be broadcast by local • Gemini Radio - 96.4 / 97 FM radio and TV, although the effectiveness • Orchard FM - 96.5/97.1/102.6 FM of these will depend on the time of day Flood warnings on TV - I TV Teletext of the flood. page 154, Ceefax page 419 Warnings to Emergency Services Flood warnings on the Internet: and Local Authorities www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood The Environment Agency will alert Local Authorities and the Emergency Services FLOOD WARNING INFORMATION when there is a possibility of the LINE FLOODLINE 0845 988 1188 defences overtopping. This notification Call this number and select the recorded will be in advance of a public warning information service, for all current flood being issued and will enable these warnings in force. When prompted - use services to make preparations for dealing the Quick Dial code 042132 for South with a possible flood. Such alerts may Devon and South Hams Rivers and listen not be followed by a public warning for out for a severe flood warning for the being issued. On some occasions, river River Lemon at Newton Abbot. levels will begin to fall therefore a public warning will not be necessary. Call FLOODLINE to receive free guides, leaflets and advice including information on flooding provided by Local Authorities in Devon.

- to 1188 means less damage may be contaminated who may visit after a flood. supplies and equipment for safety - before use contact with floodwater be able to help you locate a supply supplies if flooding is imminent evacuate. water - think safety ! contact the local council who may of sandbags a a battery powered radio and warnings on local radio elderly or infirm to safety waterproofs to hand IF FLOODING HAS OCCURRED • Avoid contact with floodwater - it • Beware rogue repairmen or traders • Contact your •insurers Ventilate your property - less damp • Do not eat food which has been in • Check gas, electricity and water • Switch off gas and electricity • Do not enter deep or fast flowing • Take police advice on the need to • Put flood boards in place or KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A FLOOD • Keep up to date with flood WARNING IS ISSUED: • Have spare warm clothing, a torch, • Act promptly • Alert neighbours and assist the • Move people, pets and valuables Environment Agency website at obtain a Floodpack of information adviceand on how to be prepared. Call FLOODLINE 0845 988 For more information ? or www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood Visit the flood warning pages of the Keep this leaflet in a safe place for keep you updated. Know how warningsRead the will section on be the issued. Direct Flood future reference. tell you how warnings willwhere be issued information and can be obtained to important to you and have a plan of Warning Service in this leaflet. This will action. may decide to store certain items of documents upstairs. Decide what is sentimental value and important done and whether it wouldto move be possible items to prevent damage. You floor. Consider what damage might be how you could block these. What do you value?Assess what belongings, furniturefittings and may be at risk on the ground enter your property, i.e. air bricks and quicker and easier to handle.other Be accessaware of points where water could need to use them is very remote, they board slots in doorways. Although the can be more effective than sandbags and Flood protectionConsider measures: the idea of installing flood inadequately insured - please onedo of not these.be insurance. Research has shownabout that20% of properties are stress experienced by people who have buildings insurance covers you against flooded is due to lack of adequate HOUSEHOLDERS RESPONSIBILITIES Insurance: Check that your household contents and flooding. One of the greatest causes of W hat should householders who live in the flood risk area do ? BE PREPARED!