Flooding is a natural event. It occurs when there is heavy rainfall that fills rivers and streams above their normal capacity. The excess water that gathers cannot be restrained by normal boundaries (such as a river embankment) and follows the path of least resistance.
This means areas that are low lying and close to the source of a flood will be the most vulnerable. Floods can also occur when rainwater collects on the ground and cannot find a source to drain into. A typical example is surface water run-off (for example, if you are located at the bottom of a hill or slope of ground). Localised flooding mainly happens when the ground cannot absorb any more water in a particular area, or if sewers and underground drains become blocked or cannot cope with the excess water trying to drain into them.
Keeping people safe during floods
Preventing loss of life or harm to people during floods is number one priority. During any major flood incident the local police force is the lead organsation. Local authority emergency planning teams also have a main role, and will open and operate designated evacuation centres.
Working with the emergency services, we regularly carry out flood response exercises.
We strongly advise that every household and business in a flood risk area has their own plan of action that can put in place during a flood emergency. The following is a basic checklist of essential tasks:
- Identify a safe place where you, your family and your pets can keep away from the floodwater.
- Gather essential items together. These include warm clothes, blankets, regular medication, a torch, food supplies, a mobile phone and a battery operated or wind-up radio.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains.
- Move electrical items and valuables to a first floor or higher position.
- Floods can kill. NEVER attempt to walk or drive through any depth of floodwater.
WAIT for the emergency services. Follow their instructions. If an evacuation order is issued you MUST comply.
- For the latest information and stay tuned to local radio.
We work with emergency services to help people affected by flooding, and provide extensive advice on how you can protect your family and your home from flooding.