Emergency Response (Flooding)

The emergency response to flooding falls primarily to local authorities, working with the emergency services. When flooding is particularly severe, there are standing arrangements for the Army to be called in to help. Local authorities will coordinate evacuation, provide emergency accommodation and other social services. They hold supplies of sandbags for emergency use and, depending on availability might be able to make some available to householders.

The Environment Agency's first responsibility during flooding is to ensure they take action to secure flood defences and undertake operations such as closing barriers or operating sluices. They will, however, try to help with the emergency response for example by providing any spare sandbags that are not needed for their own purposes.  They will:

• Issue flood warnings (target is two hours in advance):
  • Automatic telephone messaging system
  • Loudhailer messages 
  • Volunteer flood wardens
  • Sirens
• Check and maintain flood defences.
• Operate flood control structures.
• Check flood defences, clear blockages of culverts and check breaches of defences.
• Monitor water levels and flows, assessing risk and providing advice.
• Advise the emergency services and local authorities of flood forecasting.
• Provide representatives to the various emergency control points.
• Support the emergency services and local authorities once its own systems and defences are secure.