LANGPORT AND HUISH EPISCOPI COMMUNITY FLOOD PLAN
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Overview ...... 4 1.2 Areas Covered ...... 4 1.3 Sponsoring Authority ...... 4 1.4 Environment Agency Alerts ...... 4 2 Actions to be Taken Before a Flood ...... 5 2.1 Locations at Risk of Flooding / Flood Warnings...... 5 2.2 Locations at Risk of Flooding / Map Showing Direction of Flooding ...... 7 3 Actions to be taken during a Flood ...... 8 3.1 Local Flood Actions ...... 8 3.2 Local Volunteers/ Flood Wardens ...... 10 3.3 Important Telephone Numbers...... 11 3.4 Available Resources ...... 12 3.5 Arrangements Between Authorities ...... 14 3.6 Vulnerable Residents, Properties and Locations ...... 14 4 After a Flood ...... 15 4.1 Reputable Contractors ...... 15
Table of Appendices A Flood Warden Coordinator Role ...... 16 A.1 Flood Warden Coordinator Responsibilities ...... 16 A.2 Your role BEFORE a flood ...... 16 A.3 Your role DURING a flood ...... 17 A.4 Your role AFTER a flood ...... 18 A.5 Flood Warden Coordinator Action Card ...... 20 B Flood Warden Role ...... 22 B.1 Flood Warden Responsibilities ...... 22 B.2 Your role BEFORE a flood ...... 22 B.3 Your role DURING a flood ...... 23 B.4 Your role AFTER a flood ...... 24 B.5 Flood Warden Action Card ...... 26
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Copyright Acknowledgement Figure 1: Langport Flood Risk Map was downloaded from the Environment Agency Website and contains the following data:
Ordnance Survey Data © Crown Copyright and database right [2012] Royal Mail Data © Royal Mail Copyright and database right [2012] Bathymetry Data by GEBCO © [2012] Data by Land and Property Services (Northern Ireland) © Crown Copyright [2012]
Distribution To be agreed
To Do This document is currently in an early draft and not ready for general release. The sections identified below require further work.
Section Number Work Required Distribution The distribution list for the Flood Plan needs to be agreed 2.1 Locations at Risk of Flooding/ Flood Confirm Locations, is the level of Warnings detail/breakdown of areas sensible. Are there any at risk areas missing? 3.1 Local Flood Actions Review actions for the specific areas and update 3,2 Local Volunteers/ Flood Wardens Flood Wardens need to be identified. 3.5 Arrangements Between Authorities The hierarchy of control and responsibilities of the relevant authorities needs to be identified. 4.1 Reputable Contractors Add more contractractors etc.
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1 Introduction 1.1 Overview This document is the Community Flood Plan for the Langport Area. It covers the town of Langport, the village of Huish Episcopi and adjacent areas of the parishes of Curry Rivel and Drayton that are in the same flood risk areas.
It is based on the Environment Agency document “Flooding- Minimising the Risk” and includes the following:
Actions to be taken before a flood: locations at risk of flooding, sources of flooding and directions of flooding are identified based on the published Environment Agency data and local knowledge. Actions to be taken during a flood- this includes local actions to be taken, local flood wardens, important telephone numbers, available resources, arrangements between authorities, vulnerable residents, properties and locations. Actions to be taken after a flood- organisations offering support are identified. 1.2 Areas Covered This Flood Plan covers the town of Langport and adjacent areas of Huish Episcopi and Curry Rivel that are subject to risk of flooding based on Environmental Agency data:
Langport town around Bow Street Mill Brook, Wagg Drove, Pibsbury Corner and Wincanton Road Huish Epsicopi Huish Episcopi Allotments Bicknells and Black Bridges Frog Lane 1.3 Sponsoring Authority This Flood Plan is sponsored by:
Langport Town Council Town Hall Langport TA10 9PR 1.4 Environment Agency Alerts The applicable Environment Agency Flood Warnings are:
River Parrett Catchment, Lower River Parrett/ Westover (Flood line option: 164030) River Yeo and wider areas upstream and downstream (Flood line option: 04312)
To check the Environment Agency Floodline call 0345 988 1188, choose Option 1 and enter the appropriate option number for the area of interest as above.
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2 Actions to be Taken Before a Flood 2.1 Locations at Risk of Flooding / Flood Warnings The Environment Agency flood risk map for the Langport area, see Figure 1, identifies areas at risk of flooding in the Langport area. This flood risk map has been used to define a set of flood warning zones for the Langport area that are identified in Table 1. It should be noted that the Langport area is dependent on flood defences to protect it from flood. These defences and effective flood management have reduced the risk from flooding for many years.
Local flood warning areas are listed in Table 1.
Zone No Location At Risk Trigger Level Action 1 Westover South Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 2 Westover North Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 3 Pibsbury Corner and Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more Wincanton Rd (South) information using quickdial number 04312 4 Huish Episcopi Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more Allotments) information using quickdial number 04312 5 Bicknells and Black Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more Bridges information using quickdial number 04312 6 Frog Lane Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 7 Lower Bow Street Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 8 Upper Bow Street Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 9 Moor Park Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 10 Whatley Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 11 Cocklemoor Car Park Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 12 Parrett Close Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 164030 13 Lower Wagg Drove Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more information using quickdial number 04312 14 Mill Brook, Huish Flood Alert Call EA Floodline 0345 988 1188 for more Episcopi information using quickdial number 04312
Table 1: Langport Area Flood Warnings
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Figure 1: Langport Flood Risk Map
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2.2 Locations at Risk of Flooding / Map Showing Direction of Flooding
Zone No Location At Risk Source of Flooding Direction of Flooding 1 Westover South River Parrett/ River Water flows up roadway towards A378 Ile 2 Westover North River Parrett Water overspills from river bank north of Bow Bridge 3 Pibsbury Corner and River Yeo River Parrett overspills its banks, water accumulates on land and spreads across the Wincanton Rd (South) A372. 4 Huish Episcopi Allotments) River Yeo River Parrett overspills its banks, water accumulates on land and spreads towards the A372. 5 Bicknells and Black Bridges Rivers Parrett and Water spreads across fields from River Yeo and confluence of the Yeo and Parrett Yeo rivers. 6 Frog Lane River Parrett Flood water from the river Parrett spreads generally across fields and neighbouring droves. 7 Lower Bow Street River Parrett Flood from river Parrett at Bow Bridge, Northmoor and directly through drains. 8 Upper Bow Street River Parrett Flood from river Parrett across Cocklemoor and Cocklemoor car park and directly through drains. 9 Moor Park River Parrett Flood from river Parrett directly through drains. 10 Whatley River Parrett River Parrett overflows its banks and flows along Whatley. 11 Cocklemoor Car Park River Parrett River Parrett overflows its banks and spreads across Cocklemoor and drains. 12 Parrett Close River Parrett River Parrett overflows its banks and spreads across Cocklemoor and Cocklemoor Car Park. 13 Lower Wagg Drove Wagg Rhyne Blockage in Wagg Rhyne causes it to overflow its banks and flow over Wagg Drove 14 Mill Brook Mill Brook Blockage in Mill Brook causes it to overflow its banks and flow into neighbouring properties on either side of the A372
Table 2: Langport Area Sources and Direction of Flooding
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3 Actions to be taken during a Flood 3.1 Local Flood Actions Zone Location At Risk Action/ Trigger Local Action Equipment Required Time No Required 1 Westover South Flood Warning or Check flap valve operating. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Visual Observation Advise business owners of risk. Polythene sheet. hours. Block access to individual properties on trading Road closure signs. estate. 2 Westover North Flood Warning or Check viability of river bank and reinforce with Sand bags. 1 to 2 Visual Observation sandbags where appropriate. hours 3 Pibsbury Corner and Flood Warning or Check ditches and drains free of debris. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Wincanton Rd (South) Visual Observation Move cars to higher ground. hours. 4 Huish Episcopi Flood Warning or Alert all allotment holders of risk. None Allotments) Visual Observation 5 Bicknells and Black Flood Warning or Protect residences in the vicinity as much as Sand bags. 1 to 2 Bridges Visual Observation possible. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. 6 Frog Lane Flood Warning or Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 1 hour Visual Observation Move cars to higher ground. Polythene sheet. Restrict access to Frog Lane. Road closure signs. 7 Lower Bow Street Flood Warning or Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Visual Observation Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. 8 Upper Bow Street Flood Warning Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. 9 Moor Park Flood Warning Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. Road closure signs.
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Zone Location At Risk Action/ Trigger Local Action Equipment Required Time No Required 10 Whatley Flood Warning Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 1 to 2 Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. Road closure signs. 11 Cocklemoor Car Park Flood Warning Move cars to higher ground. Road closure signs. 2 to 3 Close car park. hours 12 Parrett Close Flood Warning Advise business owners of risk. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Protect business premises. Polythene sheet. hours Check ditches and drains free of debris. Consider sealing off precinct from car park. 13 Lower Wagg Drove Flood Warning or Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Visual Observation Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground. 14 Mill Brook Flood Warning or Protect low lying residences as much as possible. Sand bags. 2 to 3 Visual Observation Check ditches and drains free of debris. Polythene sheet. hours Move cars to higher ground.
Table 3: Langport Area Local Flood Actions
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3.2 Local Volunteers/ Flood Wardens Zone No Location At Risk Name Telephone: Telephone: Mobile Day Evening All Flood Warden Chris Bottomley/ 01458 01458 07814 Coordinators Shirley Robinson 251437 251437 936780 1 Westover South 2 Westover North 3 Pibsbury Corner and Wincanton Rd (South) 4 Huish Episcopi Allotments) 5 Bicknells and Black Bridges 6 Frog Lane 7 Lower Bow Street 8 Upper Bow Street 9 Moor Park 10 Whatley 11 Cocklemoor Car Park 12 Parrett Close 13 Lower Wagg Drove 14 Mill Brook
Table 4: Langport Area Flood Wardens
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3.3 Important Telephone Numbers Organisation Telephone Contact Website Comments Number Environment 0345 988 1188 www.environment-agency.gov.uk Quick dial: Agency Flood 1640303- River Parrett Catchment, Lower River Parrett/ Line Westover 04312- River Yeo and wider areas upstream and downstream Environment 0800 80 70 60 www.environment-agency.gov.uk damage or danger to the natural environment Agency Incident pollution to water or land Hot line poaching or illegal fishing dead fish or fish gasping for air main rivers blocked by a vehicle or fallen tree causing risk of flooding flooding from any river, stream, canal, natural spring or the sea incidents at Environment Agency-regulated waste sites illegal removals from watercourses unusual changes in river flow collapsed or badly damaged river or canal banks
South Somerset 01935 462462 www.southsomerset.gov.uk District Council Somerset 0845 345 9166 General enquiries County Council Somerset 0845 345 9155 Highways County Council) Fire and Rescue 01392 872200 Non-emergency enquiries Fire and Rescue 999 Emergency Police 101 Non-emergency Police 999 Emergency
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Organisation Telephone Contact Website Comments Number Health 111 Langport Town 01458 259700 www.langport-tc.gov.uk Council Huish Episcopi 01458 252813 www.huishepsicopi.org.uk Parish Council Curry Rivel 01458 251432 www.curryrivel.org.uk Parish Council Red Cross Wessex Water 0345 600 4 600 www.wessexwater.co.uk/emergencies Property flooded with sewage, blocked sewer or river/ water course polluted with sewage
Table 5: Important Telephone Numbers
3.4 Available Resources Organisation Resource Telephone Location Notes Number Police Evacuation Centre 101 SSDC Sand bags 01935 462462 https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/enviro nment/emergency-planning/request- sandbags/ Fire and Rescue Emergency Pumps Somerset Road Closure Signs County Council Community Multi-agency partnership working www.somersetprepared.org.uk/ Resilience In closely with communities to deliver Somerset advice, support and training to help Partnership enhance local resilience to (CriSP) emergencies
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Organisation Resource Telephone Location Notes Number National Flood Charity enabling people to take 01299 403 055 www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk/ Forum control of their own flooding concerns. Blue Pages A directory of property flood www.bluepages.org.uk/ products and services put together to advise and inform you of what's available to help reduce risk Gov.uk UK Government Flooding Advice www.gov.uk/browse/environment- countryside/flooding-extreme-weather Gov.uk UK Government Flooding: Health www.gov.uk/government/collections/flood Guidance and Advice ing-health-guidance-and-advice Somerset Rivers Co-ordinates flood protection in 01823 355111 www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk Authority Somerset Somerset Maintains significant watercourses 01278 789906 Parrett Drainage Board- Langport District Drainage (not main rivers) www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/ Boards Consortium Environment Maintains main rivers. Provides ww.gov.uk/government/organisations/envi Agency flood warnings ronment-agency
Table 6: Available Resources
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3.5 Arrangements Between Authorities This section will identify the organisations between authorities and the hierarchy of command. 3.6 Vulnerable Residents, Properties and Locations Information on vulnerable residents, properties and locations will be withheld from published copies of this flood plan and will be held by the local Flood Warden.
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4 After a Flood 4.1 Reputable Contractors Organisation Business Contact Website Notes Community General Joy Payback clearing up Roberts 03000 492321 Help The Aged Helping Hand Blue Sheet Wet Moor Magazine
Table 7: Reputable Contractors
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A Flood Warden Coordinator Role A.1 Flood Warden Coordinator Responsibilities The Flood Warden Coordinator’s main role is to coordinate the activities of the areas Flood Wardens. This will involve distributing relevant information received from the statutory authorities and the emergency services to the flood wardens and passing back information received from the Flood Wardens to the relevant authority. The role also includes arranging training and other activities for the Flood Wardens and ensuring that emergency equipment is available and in good condition.
The information contained within this role description is intended to clarify your activities as a community volunteer before, during and after an emergency or flood event. Importantly, this profile also outlines the limits of your role and responsibilities. Remember, your overall role is to support the community and not to carry out the job of the Emergency Services.
If you undertake any activities not described in this role profile you may not be covered by any insurance policy provided for you and your group. A.2 Your role BEFORE a flood A.2.1 Know your Flood Wardens You should ensure that you know all the Flood Wardens in your designated area and that you have contact details for them. You should also ensure that there is at least one deputy Flood Warden designated for each risk zone and that you, as coordinator, have a designated deputy or deputies. A.2.2 Understand the Authorities In the event of a flooding incident there are many authorities involved, e.g. the emergency services, parish and town, district and county councils, the Environment Agency, Somerset Rivers Authority and Wessex Water. In addition there may be other agencies providing support services. You need to understand the roles of these authorities and agencies in the event of a flood and also the defined control structure. You should also make sure that you have contact details for them. A.2.3 Develop Action Cards for each zone The template Flood Warden Action Card should be used to produce an Action Card for each Flood Risk zone. The local Flood Warden should use her/his local knowledge to identify specific risks in their area e.g. water courses that need monitoring or drains that are known to overflow. A.2.4 Identify vulnerable individuals The Flood Wardens may identify vulnerable individuals and properties in their area. If you consolidate and record this information it must be held in accordance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A.2.5 Organise community plan training and activities You are encouraged to take part in any training for community volunteers. This is to provide you with information to help you to carry out your role in a safe and responsible way. The training will be updated and repeated on a regular basis. You should also identify suitable training and encourage the Flood Wardens to participate in it.
Your Flood Plan forms the basis of your community's response to flood risk. You should assist Flood Wardens in understanding the local Flood Plan and how to respond during a flood.
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Your Flood Plan will need to be tested on a regular basis. This is to test that the plan works well and to learn from any problems or shortcomings. It is also a good way of making sure you know what to do in an emergency. You will need to organise these ''dry runs'' or drills and ensure that the Flood Wardens take part, where possible.
Your community group should meet on a regular basis to discuss issues related to flooding in the local community. You should organise meetings to keep the Flood Wardens and others up to date with developments and issues. A.2.6 Help raise flood awareness Helping to raise flood awareness within the community is an important activity within a community plan. Households and businesses may benefit from useful information such as; how to prepare for flooding, steps to protect property and emergency contacts. You should establish contact with the relevant agencies and look out for useful information such as leaflets and newsletters that could be usefully distributed to properties within your area. A.2.7 Recruit community volunteers You should encourage the Flood Wardens to identify other people with the enthusiasm, skills and attitude to support the community during an emergency and refer them to you as potential Flood Wardens or community volunteers. A.3 Your role DURING a flood A.3.1 Prioritise your own safety at all times Your priority at all times it to ensure your own safety and not to place yourself at unnecessary risk of injury or harm. A.3.2 Follow procedures set out in your community plan The procedures set out in your community plan are there to ensure a co-ordinated response from the community in the event of a flood. They are also there to promote your wellbeing and that of others. A.3.3 Relay information to the local community The Emergency Services, local authorities or the Environment Agency may call upon your assistance to relay information to the community. This may be to warn the public of a potential flood and particular areas to avoid or to provide information to promote health and wellbeing. You would normally communicate such information to the Flood Wardens for them to distribute in their zone. A.3.4 Assist with the distribution of sand bags Local authorities and other organisations may provide support in the event of flooding through the distribution of sand bags and other materials. You should know where these are kept and familiarise yourself with any access protocol and procedures for use so that you can assist the Flood Wardens. A.3.5 Follow guidance from the emergency services at all times The Emergency Services and the Police in particular take the lead during a flood event. Follow their advice at all times as you may be placing yourself and others at risk of harm if you do not. Remember, you are not a member of the uniformed emergency services. If you are told to evacuate from an area follow the guidance you are given.
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A.3.6 Provide the emergency services with local knowledge and information The Flood Warden’s strengths are in their detailed knowledge of their local area and the people living within it. Your role is to consolidate the information received from the Flood Wardens during a flood and to relay this information to the Emergency Services and other authorities. Be mindful the information may relate to individual properties or persons and should be managed responsibly at all times. A.3.7 Collect information about the flood Information you collect and record during a flood can be important to the Environment Agency and other authorities when analysing the cause and how to reduce risk in the future. Notes and especially photographs on flow routes and water levels can be very useful. You should collect together any information recorded by the Flood Wardens to provide a consolidated record of any flood event. A.3.8 Help the Flood Wardens You should provide support to the Flood Wardens who are directly affected by a flood event. This may require asking a Warden from another zone that is not under flood threat to assist or take over responsibility, subject to agreement from the local Flood Warden. Remember that wardens will generally live in the area at risk and their homes may be subject to flooding, protection of their property will be their priority. A.3.9 Make sure that you can be contacted In the event of a flood you should ensure that you can be easily contacted by the Flood Wardens and Authorities. This may mean that it is better that you remain at a coordination centre rather than directly assist with dealing with the flood. If you are not available, for example you are on holiday you should ensure that one of the Flood Wardens is nominated to deputise for you. A.3.10 DO NOT place yourself at risk at any time Your safety is a priority. Follow the guidance set out in your training and do not undertake activities that may place yourself at unnecessary risk. A.3.11 DO NOT enter flood water at any time Flood water poses many different risks and dangers including; trips, slips, contamination, drowning and injury from submerged hazards. Do not enter flood waters. A.3.12 DO NOT attempt to operate or repair flood defence structures or equipment The unauthorised use of flood defence equipment could increase the risk of flooding or hide problems that should be addressed by the relevant authority. Similarly, do not use any equipment you have not been trained or authorised to use. A.4 Your role AFTER a flood A.4.1 Submit information collected about the flood Information collected and recorded during a flood can be important to the Environment Agency and other authorities when analysing the cause of the flooding and how to reduce risk in the future.
You should collect information about any flood event from your Flood Wardens to feed back to the authorities.
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A.4.2 Provide information to the local community Useful information for people deal with a flood may be provided by many sources. This may relate to personal safety, hygiene, insurance claims or the risk of further flooding. You should identify useful information and provide it to the Flood Wardens for distribution in their areas. A.4.3 Support your community Following a flooding event it can take many months for individuals, households and businesses to recover from flooding and return to normal daily life. This recovery process can be stressful and impact upon people in different ways. As a member of the community you may be able to provide support to those affected. Refer members of your community to a suitable authority or expert for further guidance and advice.
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A.5 Flood Warden Coordinator Action Card Flood Warden Coordinator Action Card Flood Risk Area: Langport and Huish Episcopi Flood Warden Coordinator Role: Before a Flood: DO DO NOT Get to know your area Flood Wardens. Do not attempt to enter Understand the relevant authorities, their organisations or clear area watercourses and the control hierarchy. or culverts Encourage local Flood Wardens to develop zone action cards. Identify vulnerable individuals. Organise community plan training and activities. Help raise flood awareness. Recruitment community. During a Flood: DO DO NOT Prioritise your own safety at all times DO NOT place yourself at Follow procedures set out in your community plan risk at anytime Relay information to the local community DO NOT enter flood water Assist with the distribution of sand bags and other at any time equipment. DO NOT attempt to Follow guidance from the emergency services at all times operate or repair flood Provide the emergency services with local knowledge and defence structures or information and act as a coordination point between the equipment Flood Wardens and the authorities. Collect information about the flood. Help the Flood Wardens. Ensure that you can be contacted. After a Flood: Submit information collected about the flood to the Flood Warden Coordinator Provide information to the local community Support your community
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Flood Warning Levels:
Flood Alert Flood Warning Severe Flood Warning Flooding is possible Flooding is expected Severe flooding, risk to life Also use weather forecast warnings to assess whether there is increased risk of flooding Flood Alert Where a flood alert is raised the Flood Warden Coordinator should: Make sure that you are contactable or nominate a deputy Ring Flood wardens with information Phone Floodline (0345 9881188 -quickdial 164030 and 4312) for further information Monitor local drains and their water levels using reports from the Flood Wardens Monitor River Levels using reports from the Flood Wardens Report concerns to the Environment Agency's Incident communication service (0800 8070 60) Report concerns about drains to Wessex Water (0345 600 4 600) Provide information to vulnerable residents via Flood Wardens
Flood Warning Stay safe and do not take risks! Make sure that you are contactable or nominate a deputy Work with flood wardens to inform residents that flood warning has been issued Encourage residents to put any available flood protection products in place Monitor local drains and their water levels using reports from the Flood Wardens Monitor River Levels using reports from the Flood Wardens Report concerns to the Environment Agency's Incident communication service (0800 80 70 60) - if property flooding is imminent as to speak to the appropriate Flood Incident Duty Officer Phone Floodline (0345 9881188 -quickdial 164030 and 4312 for further information Report concerns about drains and surface water flooding to Wessex Water (0345 600 4600) lf property flooding is occurring liaise with council in case evacuation of residents to rest centres is required Provide local intelligence to the emergency services Monitor extent and time of flooding to provide post event feedback to the Environment Agency
Severe Flood Warning Stay safe and do not take risks! Make sure that you are contactable or nominate a deputy Help vulnerable residents prepare for evacuation Provide local support and intelligence to emergency services in evacuation procedures If safe to do so monitor extent of flooding and provide feedback to Somerset County Council, emergency services and Environment Agency
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B Flood Warden Role B.1 Flood Warden Responsibilities The Flood Warden’s main role is to understand the local community and the flood risks within the local area. The warden will act as the point of contact for the local community, both dispersing information received throughout the community and also passing back information to the Flood Warden Coordinator, or directly to the emergency and other services.
The information contained within this role description is intended to clarify your activities as a community volunteer before, during and after an emergency or flood event. Importantly, this profile also outlines the limits of your role and responsibilities. Remember, your overall role is to support the community and not to carry out the job of the Emergency Services.
If you undertake any activities not described in this role profile you may not be covered by any insurance policy provided for you and your group. B.2 Your role BEFORE a flood B.2.1 Understand flood risk within your local area The risk of flooding that your community faces changes over time. New buildings, roads and even farming and land use practices can affect flood risk. Watercourses, culverts and drains can be affected by debris that could restrict their flow. Keep aware of how changes within your local environment may impact on the risk of flooding.
You can play an important role by acting as the "eyes and ears" of the local authorities. Report any debris in watercourses or culverts to your Flood Warden Co-ordinator and/or the local flood risk authorities in accordance with procedures in your Flood Plan. B.2.2 Identify properties at risk of flooding Some properties are at greater risk of flooding than others. Knowing which properties are more likely to flood and possible flow routes of flood water can help you to become better prepared for an emergency. To help, take a look at a flood risk map of your local area. Consider which properties have flooded in the past using your knowledge and experience and that of other local people. Also, look for properties in low lying areas or close to watercourses. B.2.3 Identify vulnerable individuals Your strength as a community volunteer is your detailed knowledge of your local area and the people living within it. Build up an understanding of who lives in your area and especially anyone who may require priority attention during a flood such as the elderly or less mobile.
Once you have identified vulnerable individuals within your community keep this information safe and secure. Your group co-ordinator or Town or Parish Council may manage a list but you are advised to remember the information without writing it down. B.2.4 Support community plan training and activities You are encouraged to take part in any training for community volunteers. This is to provide you with information to help you to carry out your role in a safe and responsible way. The training will be updated and repeated on a regular basis.
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Your community plan forms the basis of your community's response to flood risk. You should familiarise yourself with the local Flood Plan and how to respond during a flood. You should always follow the guidance and advice set out in the plan as well as any training you have received to ensure you do not place yourself or others at unnecessary risk. If procedures within your community plan contradict any activities described in this role profile highlight them to your group co-ordinator who will be able to clarify the situation.
Your community plan will be tested on a regular basis. This is to test that the plan works well and to learn from any problems or shortcomings. It is also a good way of making sure you know what to do in an emergency. You are encouraged to support these ''dry runs'' or drills and take part, where possible.
Your community group might meet on a regular basis to discuss issues related to flooding in the local community. You are encouraged to attend these meetings, where possible, to keep up to date with developments and issues. B.2.5 Help raise flood awareness Helping to raise flood awareness within the community is an important activity within a community plan. Households and businesses may benefit from useful information such as; how to prepare for flooding, steps to protect property and emergency contacts. You may be asked to help with the door-to-door distribution of leaflets and newsletters, for example. B.2.6 Assist with the recruitment of community volunteers As a member of the community you may be ideally placed to identify other people with the enthusiasm, skills and attitude to support the community during an emergency. If you know of anyone suitable to be a community volunteer refer them to your Flood Plan Co-ordinator. B.2.7 Do not attempt to enter or clear watercourses or culverts Report any debris in watercourses or culverts to your group co-ordinator and/or the local flood risk authorities in accordance with your community plan. Do not place yourself at risk of injury or harm by attempting to enter or unblock watercourses or culverts yourself. B.3 Your role DURING a flood B.3.1 Prioritise your own safety at all times Your priority at all times it to ensure your own safety and not to place yourself at unnecessary risk of injury or harm. B.3.2 Follow procedures set out in your community plan The procedures set out in your community plan are there to ensure a co-ordinated response from the community in the event of a flood. They are also there to promote your wellbeing and that of others. B.3.3 Relay information to the local community The Emergency Services, local authorities or the Environment Agency may call upon your assistance to relay information to the community. This may be to warn the public of a potential flood and particular areas to avoid or to provide information to promote health and wellbeing. This would involve door-to-door visits to engage with individual properties.
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B.3.4 Assist with the distribution of sand bags Local authorities and other organisations may provide support in the event of flooding through the distribution of sand bags and other materials. When filling, distributing or installing sand bags, always follow the advice and guidance set out in your training covering correct procedures and manual handling. B.3.5 Follow guidance from the emergency services at all times The Emergency Services and the Police in particular take the lead during a flood event. Follow their advice at all times as you may be placing yourself and others at risk of harm if you do not. Remember, you are not a member of the uniformed emergency services. If you are told to evacuate from an area follow the guidance you are given. B.3.6 Provide the emergency services with local knowledge and information Your strength as a community volunteer is your detailed knowledge of your local area and the people living within it. Relay this information to the Emergency Services during a flood. Be mindful the information may relate to individual properties or persons and should be managed responsibly at all times. B.3.7 Collect information about the flood Information you collect and record during a flood can be important to the Environment Agency and other authorities when analysing the cause and how to reduce risk in the future. Notes and especially photographs on flow routes and water levels can be very useful. B.3.8 DO NOT place yourself at risk at any time Your safety is a priority. Follow the guidance set out in your training and do not undertake activities that may place yourself at unnecessary risk. B.3.9 DO NOT enter flood water at any time Flood water poses many different risks and dangers including; trips, slips, contamination, drowning and injury from submerged hazards. Do not enter flood waters. B.3.10 DO NOT attempt to operate or repair flood defence structures or equipment The unauthorised use of flood defence equipment could increase the risk of flooding or hide problems that should be addressed by the relevant authority. Similarly, do not use any equipment you have not been trained or authorised to use. B.4 Your role AFTER a flood B.4.1 Submit information you collected about the flood Information you collect and record during a flood can be important to the Environment Agency and other authorities when analysing the cause of the flooding and how to reduce risk in the future.
Submit your information to your Flood Plan Coordinator. B.4.2 Help to relay information to the local community You may be able to support your community by relaying useful information after a flood. Newsletters and door-to-door visits can help keep people informed after an emergency. Information may relate to personal safety, hygiene, insurance claims or the risk of further flooding.
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B.4.3 Support your community Following a flooding event it can take many months for individuals, households and businesses to recover from flooding and return to normal daily life. This recovery process can be stressful and impact upon people in different ways. As a member of the community you may be able to provide support to those affected. Refer members of your community to a suitable authority or expert for further guidance and advice.
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B.5 Flood Warden Action Card Flood Warden Action Card Flood Risk Zone: Copies of this card should be developed for each flood warning zone Flood Warden Role: Before a Flood: DO DO NOT Get to know your Flood Warden Coordinator and other Do not attempt to enter area Flood Wardens. or clear area watercourses Understand flood risk within your local area. or culverts Identify properties at risk of flooding. Identify vulnerable individuals. Support community plan training and activities. Help raise flood awareness. Assist with the recruitment of community volunteers to assist in time of a flood. Produce a local version of this Action Card identifying specific risks and actions that are relevant to the local area During a Flood: DO DO NOT Prioritise your own safety at all times DO NOT place yourself at Follow procedures set out in your community plan risk at anytime Relay information to the local community DO NOT enter flood water Assist with the distribution of sand bags at any time Follow guidance from the emergency services at all times DO NOT attempt to Provide the emergency services with local knowledge and operate or repair flood information defence structures or Collect information about the flood equipment After a Flood: Submit information you collected about the flood to the Flood Warden Coordinator Help to relay information to the local community Support your community
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Flood Warning Levels:
Flood Alert Flood Warning Severe Flood Warning Flooding is possible Flooding is expected Severe flooding, risk to life Also use weather forecast warnings to assess whether there is increased risk of flooding Flood Alert Where a flood alert is raised the Flood Warden should: Deputise for the Flood Warden Coordinator in their absence. Phone Floodline (0345 9881188 –add quickdial for zone) for further information. Monitor local streams, drains and rhynes for water level and potential blockages- specify those applicable to zone. Monitor River Levels (visually and through river levels on the internet) – River Parrett and Yeo, depending on zone. Report any concerns over flood risks to the Flood Warden Coordinator. Report concerns about potential water course blockages to the Flood Warden Coordinator. Provide information to vulnerable residents. Add any other zone specific actions.
Flood Warning Stay safe and do not take risks! Work with the Flood Warden Coordinator to inform residents that flood warning has been issued. Encourage residents to put any flood protection measures in place. Monitor local streams, drains and rhynes for water level and potential blockages- specify those applicable to zone. Monitor River Levels (visually and through river levels on the internet) – River Parrett and Yeo, depending on zone. Report concerns about river levels, surface water build up, drain or sewage problems to the Flood Warden Coordinator lf property flooding is occurring support council evacuation of residents to rest centres Provide local intelligence to the emergency services Monitor extent and time off flooding to provide post event feedback to the Environment Agency
Severe Flood Warning Stay safe and do not take risks! Help vulnerable residents prepare for evacuation Provide local support and intelligence to emergency services in evacuation procedures If safe to do so monitor extent of flooding and provide feedback to Somerset County Council and emergency services
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