By their very nature, disasters or major emergencies cannot be predicted, even severe storms or flooding may take many by surprise. The Emergency Services and Local Authorities have made special arrangements in the event of a disaster occurring and they would implement the necessary action quickly.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency provides a Floodline service where you can listen to recorded flood warning information for your area or speak to an operator for advice. To speak to one of the Agency’s trained Floodline operators for general information and advice, ring between 8a.m. to 8.p.m. Monday to Friday and 10a.m. to 4p.m. at weekends and bank holidays.

Environment Agency Floodline:                     0845 988 1188
Environment Agency General Enquiry Line     0845 933 3111
Environment Agency Emergency Hotline        0800 80 70 60
Minicom number                                         0845 602 6340

The Environment Agency’s website includes maps of flood warning areas, national summaries of warnings in force, sources of information and advice. This website is available 24 hours a day and is updated every 15 minutes - www.environment-agency.gov.uk

For a full listing of useful numbers, see the Environment Agency booklet ‘Essex Flood Directory’ which can be obtained by ringing the Floodline number.

Media and Public Information

When there is risk of flooding, the Environment Agency issues warnings through the local media. Warnings are broadcast on TV weather bulletins and on radio weather and travel reports.

Flood warnings are displayed on ITV Teletext regional weather pages (page 154) and on BBC Ceefax (page 419) To find information about roads affected by flooding, see ITV Teletext page 160 and BBC Ceefax pages 437 and 438

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to offer advice on how to obtain money in an emergency and deal with insurance queries. Details of your local Bureau can be found in the phone book or on the CAB website.

Association of British Insurers

The Association of British Insurers can provide useful information about flooding and provides emergency help lines.

Local Council

Local Authorities work with the Police, Fire and Rescue services and the Environment Agency to co-ordinate the response during severe flooding. They may deal with road closures caused by flooding and may provide sandbags in an emergency. Their principal responsibilities are for homelessness (i.e. assisting to re-house vulnerable people made homeless where there is no alternative solution), for waste collection (e.g. taking away soiled carpets and furnishings after a flood) and for environmental health. Social Services will assist vulnerable residents whose property may be flooded, in conjunction with the District/Borough Council Your local authority may be able to provide you with sandbags in an emergency but generally you are expected to obtain them yourself. You may like to contact your local Council to find out what local flood advice or guidance they can provide.

Essex County Council

Essex County Council provides crisis management support to assist in the co-ordination of the District Councils response to flooding, and the provision of suitable and effective communications. It arranges for the attendance of voluntary organisations in affected areas if required, and co-ordinates the actions of emergency support and volunteers. The County Council will provide media/public information support to the District Council involved in the flood. If floods affect schools, Essex County Council may decide that closing a school is necessary and will need to arrange for suitable transport as required for pupils. Essex County Council Social Services is the lead agency for Welfare Support, having a statutory responsibility to provide care in the community. This is extended to co-ordinate the response to the welfare needs of those affected by an emergency. As part of that role, Social Services will be involved at Rest Centres helping to support people. Essex County Council, as the Highways Authority, may close roads affected by flooding within those Districts which are not highways agencies.

TRANSCO

Floodwater can affect the safe operation of gas appliances. Appliances may light and appear to be working normally, but the flue or ventilation systems which are essential for normal operation may be adversely affected by floodwater. If you can smell gas in your home call TRANSCO as soon as possible.

Water Companies

Water companies are responsible for the supply of clean drinking water and for the removal and treatment of wastewater. Unusual heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding and in these circumstances, untreated sewage may spill out into streets and gardens. The water companies will assist where possible to reduce the amount of water escaping from the system and will treat areas where sewage has been deposited once the flooding has subsided.

Emergency Services

The Police co-ordinate the emergency services in a major flood incident and help with evacuation of people from their homes where necessary. If there is a threat to life, dial 999 and ask for the appropriate service. For non-urgent calls, please refer to the phone book.