flood response plan - broads authority...5.0 preparations for a potential flood event 7 5.01 flood...

FLOOD RESPONSE PLAN

Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre Burnt Hill Lane Carlton Colville Lowestoft NR33 8HU

Flood Response Plan: Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre, NR33 8HU

Page 1 of 26 Produced by J P Chick & Partners Ltd

7 Museum Street, Ipswich., IP1 1HQ Tel: 01473 280699

CONTENTS

Document Issue/Revision History 2

Distribution List 3

SECTION 1

1.0 Introduction 4

2.0 Location 4

3.0 Aims & Objectives 5

4.0 Flood Threat 5

5.0 PREPARATIONS FOR A POTENTIAL FLOOD EVENT 7

5.01 Flood Warnings 7

5.02 Flood Warning Codes 8

6.0 PREPARATION FOR AN IMMINENT FLOOD 9

6.01 Alternative Accommodation 10

6.02 Evacuation Procedure 11

6.03 Safe Exit Route 12

6.04 Flood Warning Notice 12

6.05 On Site Refuge 12

6.06 AFTER A FLOOD – Reoccupation of the site 13

SECTION 2 – FLOOD PACK 14

Emergency Contacts Flood Kit List Action List Warning Codes – What and When Flood Warning Notice Evacuation Routes and Alternative Accommodation Routes Notice




DOCUMENT ISSUE

Version No: 1.0

Date of Created: 16 May 2017

Review Period: 3 years

Review Due Date: April 2020 (or after a flood event / change in policy or flood warnings)

DOCUMENT HISTORY

Any changes/revisions must be documented in the table below:

Revisions/Reviews (pages changed/replaced and why) By whom: Date:

It is important to keep the Flood Response Plan up to date and a record of any changes, if this is not kept

up to date it could affect your insurance.




DISTRIBUTION LIST

Complete the form below.

All recipients on the distribution list should receive a copy of the plan:

The owner of the plan, is responsible for ensuring it is kept up to date should be identified by ticking the

box below.

RECIPIENT CONTACT DETAILS

Name: _____________________ Owner of Plan

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Signature of representative: Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre, Lowestoft, NR33 8HU Date:

Insurance Company (A copy should be sent to your insurance company)

Company Name: Address: Date Sent:

1.0 Introduction

1.01.1 As part of a planning application to build the Visitor Centre, JPC Environmental Services were

commissioned to carry out a flood risk assessment (FRA). The Environment Agency’s flood mapping

obtained as part of the FRA showed the site to be partially within Flood Zones 2 and 3.

1.01.2 Although primarily a commercial property, the inclusion of some residential accommodation

means that the proposal was considered to be ‘More Vulnerable’. As a result the FRA

recommended that an Emergency Flood Response Plan be adopted, to reduce the risk of future

occupants/visitors becoming trapped on site, albeit for a limited period.




2.0 Location

2.01.1 The site is located to the north of Carlton Colville on Burnt Hill Lane off A146. See Figure below.

Figure 1 - Detailed Site Location (Imagery © 2016 DigitalGlobe, Map data @2016 Google)




3.0 Aims and Objectives

3.01.1 This Flood Response Plan has been written to ensure that contingency measures are put in place

to provide maximum safety for all future occupants/visitors.

Aim

i) To provide a safe and well organised evacuation of people away from the visitor centre,

during the event of a flood warning.

Objectives

ii) To ensure that everyone is aware of the potential risk from flooding;

iii) To reduce the risk to life;

iv) To minimise the risk of people becoming trapped on site, should it become surrounded by

flood water;

v) To define areas of responsibility and establish procedures for implementing the flood

evacuation plan.

4.0 Flood Threat 4.01.1 The site is located to the west of Burnt Hill Lane. The north-western edge of the development lies

less than 5m from the Lake Lothing Landspring as shown on the flood map below, which is provided

by the Environment Agency.

Figure 2 - Extract from EA Flood Map




4.01.2 The Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) completed in March 2017 identified a risk from both Tidal and

Fluvial flooding via Oulton Broad and The River Waveney respectively. There are no flood defences

onsite, however defences are present within 250m of site, associated with the River Waveney.

Overtopping or a breach of these defences would result in flooding to depths of between 0.04-

1.18m for the area of the site where the visitor centre is situated. To address this risk the finished

floor level was raised above the predicted flood level to eliminate the risk of internal flooding.

4.01.3 The visitor centre is designed on piled foundations, suspended above the modelled flood levels.

The carpark which is located at the south-eastern corner of the site is situated on naturally higher

ground and is therefore above the modelled flood levels. Based on our current understanding of

climate change the only part of the site at risk from flooding is likely to be the access route between

the car park and the visitor centre entrance, where ground levels drop towards to watercourse.

4.01.4 While the current risk is Low, national guidance on climate change is being continually updated,

and therefore the extent of future flooding may change. It is therefore considered prudent to put

in place arrangements to maintain awareness. Given the nature of a visitor centre it can easily be

closed when flood warnings are received further reducing the risk to occupants/visitors.

4.01.5 In planning terms, properties with residential aspects are classified as ‘more vulnerable’ and

therefore a design life of 100 years has been considered.

4.01.6 The predicted flood levels, with and without climate change identified by the FRA are shown in the

table below:

Table 1

4.01.7 Vehicle access to the site is gained via Burnt Hill Lane off the A146. Dry ground could be reached

immediately south-east of the visitor centre via Burnt Hill Lane. While a flood event could result in




flooding to parts of the site, advance warning will ensure that all occupants/visitors can get to

safety before access is constrained.

4.01.8 If occupants/visitors leave site by car it is recommended that they turn right onto Burnt Hill Lane

where higher ground outside the extent of flooding is reached immediately.

4.01.9 Burnt Hill Lane provides access to the wider road network (A146) and community support services

associated with and located in Carlton Colville. See maps within the flood preparation information

in Section 2.

5.0 PREPARATIONS FOR A POTENTIAL FLOOD EVENT

5.01 Flood Warnings

5.01.1 The Suffolk Wildlife Trust will ensure that the building is registered with “Floodline Warnings

Direct” (FWD) this is a free warning service provided by the Environment Agency. FWD issues flood

warnings directly to registered properties via Automatic Voice Messaging (AVM) to telephone and

mobile, or by fax.

5.01.2 While this is a default service, and all existing properties within the warning zone are notified

automatically when flooding is expected, the site manager will confirm that the Environment

Agency has the correct contact details prior to the building being occupied/used. The site manager

will also be responsible for notifying the Environment Agency of any change in circumstances or

contact details.

5.01.3 When the Wildlife Trust registers the Visitor Centre will have to supply a telephone number that

the Environment Agency can contact the site manager on any time of the day or night. They must

ensure the number they provide has no inbound call barring as this will prevent them from

receiving the recorded flood warning messages. The site manager will also need to give the

Environment Agency their current email address.

TELEPHONE 0345 988 1188 to Register for

Flood Warnings Direct




Services

5.01.4 The site manager should ensure that they know where the main utilities/services (electricity,

water, gas etc.,) shut off locations are and any special instructions that may be required. See

checklist in Section 2.

Flood Kit

5.01.5 A Flood Kit contains items that may be required or be helpful in the event that the site manager

needs to close the centre and evacuate the building. A list of minimum items can be found in

Section 2.

5.02 Flood Warning Codes

5.02.1 The Environment Agency produce tidal and freshwater / river flood warning messages in the form

of the following Flood Warning Codes (they can be issued in any order):

Code…. What It Means…. When it’s used…

FLOOD ALERT

Flooding is possible, be prepared.

Two hours to two days in advance of flood warning

FLOOD WARNING

Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.

Half an hour to one day in advance of flooding.

SEVERE FLOOD WARNING

Severe flooding. Danger to life.

When flooding poses a significant risk to life or significant disruption to communities.

“ACT NOW”

WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE

No further flooding is currently expected in your area.

When river or sea conditions begin to return to normal.




6.0 PREPARATION FOR AN IMMINENT FLOOD

The following measures should be taken if a Flood Alert is issued.

• Check the Flood Kit

• Ensure that important documents, i.e flood plan are to hand and re-familiarise yourself

with the evacuation procedure

• Charge mobile phones

• Prepare warm, waterproof clothing in the event of evacuating the premises

• Continue to monitor media (TV news, weather forecasts, local radio and the Environment

Agency website: http://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map for updates)

• Keeping in touch with local media will enable people to make an informed decision of

when to leave the site

• If the flood alert is called during the day and residents/staff are off-site but expected to

return, the site manager will endeavour to contact by phone to inform them of the

situation.

• Consider if services such as gas, electric and water supplies need turning off at the mains.

The location of these services should already be documented so it is obvious to be able to

find them.

http://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/map




6.02 Evacuation Procedure

6.02.1 If conditions worsen a Flood Warning or a Severe Flood Warning will be issued, upon receiving this

information, the site manager will inform everyone that they should evacuate the premises. The

building should also be evacuated if requested to do so from the Local Authority or Emergency

Services, even if no warning has been received from FWD.

6.02.2 A Safe exit procedure should be followed as outlined below:

▪ We recommend that everybody gather their belongings together and wait, until the extent of

potential flooding can be checked.

▪ Turn off gas / electric / water supplies at the mains, if not already done so.

▪ Check that everyone has left the site.

▪ If sand bags are available, these should be placed around the outside doors and airbricks.

▪ If possible, relocate all portable electrical items / items of importance from the ground floor to

‘higher ground’, such as first floor levels.

▪ The property will remain empty until the ‘Warnings No Longer In Force’ code is issued by the

Environment Agency.




6.03 Safe Exit Route

6.03.1 The recommended exit route, is: via Burnt Hill Lane, heading in a south-easterly direction towards

Carlton Colville. Please refer to the safe exit route presented in Section 2.

6.03.2 The safe exit routes presented in Section 2 have ensured that roads most likely to be affected by

possible flooding are avoided. If visitors are using satellite navigation systems within their own

transport they should be aware that the route could take them through areas affected by possible

flooding.

6.04 Onsite Refuge

6.04.1 Although parts of the site are located within flood zones 2 and 3, the area benefits from

established defences which are likely to limit the extent of the flooding. However, in the event

that the defences fail, the area could see flood waters between 0.04-1.18m in depth. While it is

our current understanding that floor levels have been set above the likely flood level, rising sea

levels could change this in the future.

6.04.2 In the event that flood waters surround/inundate the visitor centre and if it becomes unsafe for

the visitors/occupants to evacuate the premises, then staff and visitors would be safe at first floor

level within the building. The flood kit and a copy of the flood response plan should be kept

available within the 1st floor accommodation.

PLEASE NOTE

ONSITE SAFE REFUGE IS A LAST RESORT

EVACUATION BEFORE A FLOOD IS THE PREFERRED RESPONSE




6.05 AFTER A FLOOD- Reoccupation of the Site

6.06.1 Once the imminent danger of flooding has receded, or floodwaters have subsided, Floodline

Warnings Direct will issue a ‘Warnings No Longer In Force’ notice.

6.06.2 If there is safe access to the site, it should be inspected to determine whether safe entry and

reoccupation is possible. Care should be taken when entering flood-impacted areas, as floodwaters

carry silt and debris, which can obscure hazards.

6.06.3 Before any cleaning or clearance, the insurance company will need to be notified as soon as

possible. No damaged items should be thrown away until the insurance company has been

contacted and they have been assessed. Records of all discussions with the insurance company

should be kept.

6.06.4 The building should not be reoccupied until any mud removal, cleaning and disinfection has taken

place. Flood waters can contain a range of toxic substances which may pose a risk to human health.

Do not use your main water supply until instructed safe to do so by the Water Company. The

building should also be inspected by a qualified structural engineer to establish whether there has

been any structural damage.

6.06.5 If the site did experience flooding, the gas / electricity / water supplies should not be turned on

until checked by a qualified Engineer.

6.06.6 Additional advice on what to do after a flood event can be found on the Environment Agency

website, Local Authority - emergency plan website and from your insurance provider.




SECTION 2 – FLOOD PACK

This flood pack has been put together for the visitor centre manger to facilitate the flood response plan

when flood warnings are issued

▪ Emergency Contacts

▪ Flood Kit List

▪ Action List

▪ Warning Codes – What and When

▪ Flood Warning Notice

▪ Evacuation Routes and Alternative Accommodation Routes Notice




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Emergency Contacts

In the event that the site does experience flooding, the table below provides a list of contact details that

may be useful.

The contact details of your electricity, telephone and network provider and any local transport should be

entered in the relevant boxes for contact details below.

Service Contact Details

Visitor Centre Manager Insert telephone number:

Suffolk Wildlife Main Office 01473 890089

Floodline Warnings Direct 0345 988 1188

East Suffolk (Waveney District Council)

01502 527133

Water Provider (Anglian Water) 0345 791 9155

Sewerage (Anglian Water) 08457 145145

Gas (National Grid Gas Emergency Service) 0800 111 999

Electricity (National Grid) 0800 404090 – emergencies only

NHS – Urgent medical help but not emergency 111

Local Radio – BBC Radio Suffolk FM, 95.5FM, 95.9FM, 103.9FM and 104.6FM, (updates on local rest centres)

01473 250000

Site Specific Contacts Contact Details

Electricity Provider

Telephone Provider

Network Provider

Local transport – taxis

Insurance provider claims line Policy number:

In addition, you should fill in the below table with any additional contacts you may require following an

emergency evacuation, as you may not be able to gain access to all relevant documentation.

Name/Service Contact Details

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/programmes

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/programmes




EMERGENCY FLOOD KIT

Item Information

Mobile Phone Ensured it is charged / charger

Torch May be required during evacuation or within site

refuge.

Spare batteries For torch

First Aid Kit

A wind-up/battery radio To receive latest updates on the situation

Food & Bottled Water High energy non-perishable food, which should not

require cooking.

Copy of this Flood Response

Plan

In the event of a flood, access to contact information

within the flood plan will be required.

2No. Hi-Vis jackets For Site Manager and staff needed to assist closure of

centre & carpark (marshalling)

Rubber Gloves May be useful when evacuating.

Wellingtons

Waterproof Clothing

Important Documents

Money and/or bank card




ACTION LIST FOR FLOODING EVENT

Prepare for Flood Have you signed up for flood warnings? Tel.

☐ Do you have a stockpile of useful materials including plywood, plastic sheeting, sandbags (unfilled), sand, nails, hammer, shovel, blocks of wood and a saw

☐

Do you know where your services shut off locations are: Electric

Water

Gas

Other

Do you know how to shut off your gas/electric/water supplies?

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

☐

Do you and your visitors have high ground where you can park your cars?

☐

Have you issued visitors with emergency contact numbers

☐ Have you moved import things to a higher level (computers, paperwork, electrical items)?

☐

Have you prepared a flood kit? ☐ Have you completed the list of useful numbers including local authority and insurance company? Services numbers

☐

☐ Are you aware of correct flood safety procedures for you and your visitors?

☐ Do you know which roads will stay open in your area during a flood?

☐

Are you aware of the safe evacuation route? ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

☐ ☐

☐ ☐

☐ ☐

☐ ☐

☐ ☐




Continue to monitor media (TV news, weather forecasts, local radio) and the

Environment Agency website for flood updates:

https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels

Code…. What It Means….

When it’s used… What To Do….

FLOOD ALERT

Flooding is possible, be prepared.

Two hours to two days in advance of flood warning

▪ Be prepared to act on your flood plan. ▪ Prepare a flood kit of essential items. ▪ Monitor local water levels and the

flood forecast on the Environment Agency website.

FLOOD WARNING

Flooding is expected. Immediate action required.

Half an hour to one day in advance of flooding.

▪ Visitors to gather at entrance to facilitate evacuation.

▪ Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so.

▪ Turn off services ▪ Put flood protection equipment in

place. ▪ Place important items on first floor ▪ Final sweep of building

SEVERE FLOOD WARNING

Severe flooding. Danger to life.

When flooding poses a significant risk to life.

▪ Stay in a safe place with a means of escape.

▪ Be ready should you need to evacuate. ▪ Co-operate with emergency services. ▪ Call 999 if you are in immediate

danger.

WARNINGS NO LONGER IN FORCE

No further flooding is currently expected in your area.

When river or sea conditions begin to return to normal.

▪ Be careful. Floodwater may still be around for several days.

▪ If you’ve been flooded, ring your insurance company as soon as possible.

https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/river-and-sea-levels




Flood Warning Notice

When a flood warning/severe flood warning is received, the following procedures should be followed

1. When a FLOOD WARNING, is received be ready for the imminent evacuation. 2. Turn off key services (Gas, Electricity & Water). 3. Flood evacuation plan should be enacted. 4. Any visitors arriving should be contacted and told of the flood status. 5. Everyone MUST remain off site until the ‘Warnings No Longer In Force’ notification has been issued

by ‘Flood Warnings Direct’. 6. Don’t walk through flowing water – currents can be deceptive, and shallow, fast moving water can

knock you off your feet. 7. Don’t swim through fast flowing water – You may get swept away or struck by an object in the water. 8. If you have to walk in standing water – use a pole or stick to ensure that you do not step into deep

water, open manholes or ditches. 9. Don’t drive through a flooded area – You may not be able to see abrupt drop-offs and only a metre

of flood water can carry a car away. 10. Stay away from power lines – Electrical current can travel through water. Report power lines that are

down to the power company. 11. Look before you step – After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris, which may include

broken bottles, sharp objects, nails etc. Floors and stairs covered with mud and debris can be slippery. 12. Avoid direct contact with floodwater – It may be contaminated with sewage, oil, chemicals or other

substances. 13. Refer to the SAFE EXIT PLAN and BE CAREFUL!




EVACUATION ROUTE NOTICE

▪ If occupants leave site by car it is recommended that they turn right onto Burnt Hill Lane and head

south, where higher ground outside the extent of flooding is reached immediately.

▪ Escape on foot is also available via Burnt Hill Lane as ground levels rise quickly and are soon above

the predicted flood level. Dry ground can be reached within less than 50m of the visitor centre.

Vehicle/pedestrian

Route