FLOODING

BE PREPARED!

Although the damage and destruction from flood water is, on the whole, the same, flooding can occur from a variety of sources:

Coastal Flooding

The East Coast of the UK is vulnerable to a phenomenon called a North Sea Tidal Surge. This type of event is most likely to occur between September and April, but requires very specific conditions, strong north to northeasterly winds over a period of days, combining with spring tides, (the highest high tides). Spring tides are predicted years in advance and with the technological advances in weather forecasting and prediction the Met Office and Environment Agency can identify the likelihood of a North Sea Tidal Surge, several days in advance with a high degree of confidence. As the Tendring District is bounded on 3 sides by coastal or tidal waters (Rivers Stour to the north and Colne to the west), it is vitally important that our coastal communities are aware of the need to be prepared should such an event occur.

The last North Sea tidal surge to affect the East Coast occurred in November 2007, resulting in the evacuation of Great Yarmouth.

NEVER stand on flood defences to watch waves breaking - you may get swept away.

Fluvial Flooding or River Flooding

The risk to Tendring District communities from this type of flooding is not as great as that of coastal flooding. However if you live near any type of water course, river, brook, stream or even a natural pond or spring you should check with the Environment Agency to see if your house is at risk of flooding. As this type of flooding is normally a result of heavy rainfall or melting snow, flood warnings are issued with a shorter lead time to the predicted flood, as basically the rain has or is in the process of falling. For more information please see our land drainage page.

Pluvial or Surface Water Flooding

This is the hardest type of flooding to predict. It is entirely dependant on the quantity of rain falling over a period of time and whether the ground is able to cope with the "run off". Poor drainage, or just over capacity rainfall may lead to this type of flooding. If you have a large amount of impermeable surfaces (concrete, patio slabs) surrounding your home, with inadequate drainage to take the "surface water" away from your property you may experience this type of flooding. In some cases "local knowledge" is the best indicator as to whether certain areas are at risk from surface water flooding. The Met Office and Environment Agency are working together to improve their ability to issue flood warnings for surface water flooding.

Flooding from within!

On some occasions no matter what you have done to protect the outside of your home, you may experience flooding from within, via your toilet or sink drains. This type of flooding maybe caused by a lack of capacity of the sewer system during heavy rainfall. However the majority of these instances are caused by a blockage in the sewer system. If there has not been any heavy rainfall you should contact Anglian Water.

Please be considerate - reduce your speed and check on your neighbours

In February 2009 some properties in the Tendring district were flooded as a result of traffic driving through flood water at speed, causing a wave to wash over the kerb and run into the adjacent houses. If you have to drive through flood water, reduce your speed.

If you have elderly or infirm neighbours, and are in a position to do so, please pop round to see if there is anything they need or if any help is required.

Tendring District Council's Emergency Planning Officer works closely with all the afore mentioned organisations to try and ensure the community of Tendring receives appropriate and timely warnings for all aspects of flooding and flood related matters.

There are some key things to do when preparing for flooding:

Step 1 - Find out if your property is at risk of flooding
Visit the Environment Agency website and enter your postcode or phone the Environment Agency on Floodline Warning Direct 0845 988 1188, or Typetalk 0845 602 6340.

If your property is at risk from flooding:
Preparing for a flood

Step 2 - Register with Floodline Warning Direct. This is a free service and you can nominate how to receive the flood warnings: your home telephone, your mobile phone, via SMS text alert

Step 3 - Develop your Home Emergency Plan

Step 4 - Put together a simple Emergency Grab Bag containing things like: first aid kit, copies of important documentation, warm dry clothes, rubber gloves, bottled water, wind-up or battery operated radio and torch, spare batteries if required.

Step 5 - Understand the flood warning codes and know what you are going to do on receipt of each level of warning.

Flooding of low-lying land and roads is expected. Be aware, be prepared, watch out.
Things you can do:

• Monitor local news and weather forecasts
• Be aware of water levels near you
• Be prepared to act on your Flood or Home Emergency Plan
• Check on the safety of pets and livestock
• Charge your mobile phone if you have one
• Ring Floodline on 0845 988 1188

Flooding of homes and businesses is now expected. Act now!
Things you can do:

• Move cars, pets, food, valuables and important documents to safety
• Get flood protection equipment in place
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so
• Be prepared to evacuate your home
• Protect yourself, your family and help others
• Act on your Flood or Home Emergency Plan

Severe flooding is expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!
Things you can do:

• Collect things you need for evacuation
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so
• Stay in a high place with means of escape
• Avoid electricity sources
• Avoid walking or driving through flood water
• In danger call 999 immediately
• Listen to emergency services
• Try to keep calm, and to reassure others, especially children
• Act on your Flood or Home Emergency Plan

Flood Watches or Warnings are no longer in force for this area.
Things you can do:

• Keep listening to weather reports
• Only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe
• Beware of sharp objects and pollution in flood water
• If your property or belongings are damaged, contact your insurance company. Ask their advice before starting to clean up

Step 6 - Consider what appropriate measures you can take to minimise the risk of flooding of your property long before any flood warnings are issued: purchase of air brick covers, floodboards or gates, strap down domestic oil storage tanks.

Understand your local authority's policy regarding the issue of Sandbags.

During a flood:

Step 7 - Follow advice given by the emergency services and local authority, especially if you are advised to evacuate.
Do not walk through flood water, six inches of moving water can knock off your feet or you may get caught on hidden obstacles. Don't attempt to drive through flood water. Remember ALL flood water is contaminated, and may be polluted by sewage, hydrocarbons from flooded vehicles and dislodged domestic oil storage tanks.

After a flood:

Step 8 - Call your insurance company's Emergency Help Line as soon as possible. Open doors and windows to ventilate your property. Take care to ensure your property and valuables are secure. Contact your gas, electric and water suppliers to have your supplies checked before you turn them back on. Wash taps thoroughly and run them for a few minutes before using them. Throw away any food which may have come into contact with flood water, it may be contaminated. Contact your local authority Environmental Services for advice. BEWARE of bogus traders, always check references and, if possible, get recommendations, contact your local authority Trading Standards department for advice.

Available to download in Acrobat (pdf) format is TDC's Policy Statement on Flood and Coast Protection May 2010