Flooding

Use this information to identify:

• properties, roads, and critical infrastructure at risk - make a note of the type of flood risk, the potential depth and flow
• drains or gullies that, if blocked, would cause flooding - speak to your highways engineer for advice (see our Contact us - Highways page)
• vulnerable residents, like the elderly, disabled (don't forget visitors, who won't know the area)
• where your safe sites are during a flood
  • where can vulnerable people go
  • safe access routes if there is a medical emergency - speak to your highways engineer for advice (see our Contact us - Highways page)

Make a list of contact details and set up communication channels for:

• vulnerable residents
• critical infrastructure owners
• safe sites

Remember, any personal information is subject to Data Protection. Keep it safe and secure with limited access.

If you have flooding equipment it is important to:

• plan where you will store it
  • consider asking local farmers and businesses
• know how you will access it safely
• set up a stock and maintenance system 
• arrange training for anyone who may need to use the equipment
• carry out operational risk assessments

Does anyone in your community own specialist equipment, that they are qualified to operate, that could be called upon in an emergency. For example, chain saws, tractors, anyone with medical skills.

For ditches and gullies that pose a risk:      

• list or map them in your plan
• keep a record of who is responsible for maintaining them (the landowner) 
• use the process advised and the ditch letters to engage with the landowner (see: Operational flood working groups)
• discuss any that affect roads with your area highway engineer (see our Contact us - Highways page)

Remember, any personal information is subject to Data Protection. Keep it safe and secure with limited access.

Include ETHANE in your plan to keep each other, and the emergency services, updated using the same format to monitor the situation:

E - Exact location: what is the exact location or geographical area of the incident? Be as precise as possible, using a system that will be understood by all responders, consider using: The simplest way to talk about location (what3words.com) (opens new window).

T - Type of incident: what kind of incident is it? In this case, flooding.

H - Hazards: what hazards or potential hazards can be identified? Consider the likelihood of any hazard and the potential severity of any impact.

A - Access: what are the best routes for access and egress (exit)? Include information on inaccessible routes, and rendezvous points (RVPs). Remember that emergency services need to be able to leave the scene as well as access it.

N - Number of casualties: how many casualties are there, and in what condition? Use an agreed classification system, such as Major Incident Triage Tool (england.nhs.uk) (opens new window).

E - Emergency services: which, and how many, emergency responder assets and personnel are required or are already on-scene? Consider whether the assets of wider emergency responders, such as local authorities or the voluntary sector, may be required.

Agree what organisations would be useful to follow, and set up your own channels to help you communicate and share resources before it floods. Consider:

• creating a Facebook page
• setting up an account on 'X' (previously known as Twitter)
• creating a WhatsApp group