Flood Evacuation Strategy Hawkins Lane, Burton on Trent

Transcription

1 Flood Evacuation Strategy Hawkins Lane, Burton on Trent Tesco Stores Ltd 10-Apr-14

2 Issue and Revision Record Rev Date Changes Originator Checker Approver N/A BS GB NK A Amended to suit new layout BF NH KE This document has been prepared by Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd. for the titled project and should not be relied upon or used for any other project. Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequences of this document being used for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was commissioned. Any person using or relying on the document for such other purpose agrees, and will by such use or reliance be taken to confirm his agreement to indemnify Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd for all loss or resultant damage. Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for this document to any party other than the person by whom it was commissioned

3 Report Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Aims and Objectives Aim Objectives Contents of this Plan Site Location Flood Risk... 6 FIGURE 3.1 EA FLOOD ZONE MAP ENVIRONMENT AGENCY FLOODLINE WARNINGS DIRECT Flood Warning Service Floodline Warning Direct Gauging River Levels Three Day Flood Risk Forecast TESCO FLOOD CONTINGENCY MEASURES Evacuation Car Park Management Flood Evacuation Resource Required Dissemination of the Tesco Flood Evacuation Plan Training Plan Activation Flow Diagram Phase 1: Phase Initiation Phase 2: Evacuation Phase 3: Store Closure ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DURING PLAN ACTIVATION Store Manager Personnel Manager, Customer Service Manager, Trading Manager Section Managers General Assistants / Customer Services Assistants Trolley Attendants

4 1. Executive Summary Pinnacle Consulting Engineers Ltd have been commissioned by Tesco Stores Ltd to carry out a Flood Evacuation Plan for a proposed retail development in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. This proposed development includes a new Tesco Retail Store and its associated car parks. This Flood Evacuation Plan has been prepared for Health and Safety reasons to enable safe evacuation of the car park and proposed Tesco Store in the event of the existing flood defence breaching. This plan has been written under the assumption that the following resources and equipment have been purchased and/or acquired and that this equipment is in possession of the Tesco Burton-upon- Trent store prior to a flood: Loudhailer Car park closure road sign and redirection signs A permanent warning sign informing customers that the car park is liable to flood Road Barriers Warning lights, and Tesco Flood Evacuation Plan Furthermore, this plan has been written under the assumption that the plan will be disseminated to the following Category 1 and 2 responders upon the completion of the development: East Staffordshire Police East Staffordshire Fire and Rescue East Staffordshire County Council - 4 -

5 2. Introduction 2.1. Aims and Objectives This Flood Evacuation Plan has been prepared to ensure an appropriate response at the site in the event of a flood warning. The Plan records contingency measures that have been drawn up to maximise the safety of staff and customers of Tesco, Burton-upon-Trent in advance of a major flood event. The Plan will be disseminated to the emergency services to ensure responding agencies are aware of Tesco s pre-planned emergency measures Aim To provide a safe and well organised store closure and evacuation of customers and staff from the site during a major flood event Objectives To safely evacuate both people and vehicles from the site in advance of a major flood event To safeguard people and property by preventing access to the site in times of flood To ensure safety by raising awareness to the flood risk To define the areas of responsibility for those participating in the plan To establish procedures for implementing the plan To reduce the risk to life To reduce financial loss during a flood event To have set security procedures during a flood event Contents of this Plan This section explains the Tesco Burton Flood Evacuation Plan. Section 3.6 explains how the plan should be phased in three distinct stages: Phase 1: Plan Implementation; Phase 2: Car Park and Store Evacuation; Phase 3: Store and Car Park Closure. These are further explained in Sections 4.6.1, and respectively. The specific roles and responsibilities of employees are detailed in Section Error! Reference source not found

6 2.3. Site Location The site for the proposed development is situated off Hawkins Lane, Burton Business Park, Burtonupon-Trent, East Staffordshire. The site is located approximately 350m west of the River Trent and the development proposals comprise a Tesco retail store and Petrol filling station together with associated car parking and servicing areas. The Tesco superstore is to be located along the northern boundary of the site with the car parking forming the southern boundary Flood Risk The Flood Risk Assessment has identified that the site is primarily exposed to flood risk from fluvial sources with the risk from surface water flooding is considered a secondary risk. Groundwater flooding is not considered to pose a significant risk to the site nor are risks from the Trent & Mersey Canal or a failure of the Blithfield Reservoir dam. The principal flood risk to the site is from the River Trent to the west of the site, flowing in a southerly direction. Information published by the Environment Agency indicates that most of the site falls within Flood Zone 3a, albeit protected by flood defences (depicted in Figure 2.1), which have been implemented by a series of alleviation schemes since the 1960 s. The initial scheme was in response to the 1947 floods. It is of note that these flood alleviation schemes were observed to have operated effectively during the November 2000 flood event, although water did seep through weaknesses in the parts of the structure. The defences throughout Burton have gradually been brought up to the 1 in 200 year standard; with the exception of a short stretch adjacent to the Meadowside Centre, with the last major improvement works carried out in

7 Figure 3.1 EA Flood Zone Map Flooding data from the Environment Agency shows that the maximum water level in a 1:100 year plus climate change event?? within the River Trent is 46.1m AOD against the general level of defences of 46.0m AOD (see Flood Risk Assessment). As the site is some distance from the river (HOW FAR??), it is likely to remain safe during extreme events. However, given some of the existing defence have been identified to be in poor condition and therefore susceptible to breaching, proposed Finished Floor Levels have been set at 46.14m AOD, as agreed with the Environment Agency, to ensure the store remains dry during extreme events. Site-specific flood hazard ratings indicate that there may only be 30 minutes before floodwater reaches the site in the event of a breach. Although this would only provide a short-response time, certain telltale signs usually precede breaching and trigger heightened activities to prevent such breaching, such as temporary repair works. Moreover, were the defences to fail, temporary flood defence works may be implemented to avert the impacts of a full breach. It is therefore envisaged that there will be ample warning preceding a breach to implement Flood Evacuation Plans. The modelling results show that the access to the site remains available in a 1 in 100 year plus climate change event??, should it be exposed to such a risk (see Flood Risk Assessment) Hawkins Lane, Burton -7-

8 For extreme events of 1 in 1000 year the hazard on the site is greater and access can be undermined, no specific contingency measure is recommended as it is believed that the Flood Evacuation Plan could still be implemented and remain effective during such an event

9 3. Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct 3.1. Flood Warning Service In England and Wales the Environment Agency operates a Flood Warning service in areas at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. Using the latest available technology, Environment Agency staff monitors rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast flooding. Warnings are issued using a set of four easily recognisable codes, depending on the strength and probability of the forecasted imminent flooding incident. Many parts of the country are covered by the Environment Agency's full four stage Flood Warning Service. This is the case for Burton-upon-Trent where the Environment Agency offers Flood Warning Directs and issues them to professional partners (Fire, Police and Local Authorities) and members of the public who have requested the service. The site is located within the Flood Warning Area for Burton-upon-Trent and the River Trent Floodline Warning Direct Floodline Warnings Direct (FWD) is a free service that provides Flood Warnings and Flood Watches via telephone, SMS, fax and to those registered with the service. The store will sign up for the service and receive flood warning notifications as listed below: Severe Flood Warning Severe flooding. Danger to life. Flood Warning Flooding is expected. Immediate action required. Flood Alert Flooding is possible. Be prepared. Warning no longer in force Warnings have been removed in the last 24 hours Gauging River Levels - 9 -

10 The EA operates a high flow gauging station on the River Trent near the site. This gauging station is one of the sources of information for the region Floodline information. A gauge board is a marker used to indicate water level and monitor water level rise. A gauge board on the River Trent may act as a visual aid to indicate if the watercourse is about to break its banks. This gauging board is located south of the site and is not considered easily accessible from the site, however it could act as a contingency flood warning system should the EA Floodline not be accessible Three Day Flood Risk Forecast In addition to the above, the Environment Agency also provides a three day flood risk forecast accessible on their website at: This forecast is updated daily and although published at a coarse grid scale, it provides an initial and advance warning for flood risk. It is recommended that this forecast be monitored regularly by Tesco Stores Ltd

11 4. Tesco Flood Contingency Measures 4.1. Evacuation This Flood Evacuation Plan has been designed to ensure the safe closure and evacuation of the site. The closure and evacuation will be initiated by the store manager based on the flood warning services offered by the Environment Agency Car Park Management During the lead time, the evacuation of the car park will be managed by trained staff directing vehicles away from the site and closing access to entering vehicles during a flood. Cones may be used to assist this process and if used, they should be large enough and numerous enough to be seen and weighted to ensure they are not affected by flood water or winds. Any portable elements of the car park management system will need to be stored in an easily accessible location on site, so they can be deployed at short notice. Car park closure signs should be positioned at on or near the barriers/cones when they are erected Flood Evacuation Resource Required When the plan is implemented the following resources will be required: Loudhailer Car park closure road sign and redirection signs A permanent warning sign informing customers that the car park is liable to flood Road barriers / cones Warning lights, and Tesco Flood Evacuation Plan for the Burton-upon-Trent site Dissemination of the Tesco Flood Evacuation Plan The plan should be disseminated to the following agencies: East Staffordshire Police East Staffordshire Fire and Rescue East Staffordshire County Council 4.5. Training

12 All staff need to be made aware of the store's Flood Evacuation Plan. It is understood that regular fire training workshops are held for all Tesco staff and so it is suggested that a flood training session be incorporated into these workshops. This training should be refreshed every 6 months and should be mandatory for all new staff. The workshops will highlight the risk and procedures and it is recommended that they include a test to ensure that staff understand the flood and fire procedures. After 6 months all staff should be required to re-sit the test Plan Activation Flow Diagram The evacuation plan is divided into three stages: Phase 1: PLAN INITIATION (Section 4.6.1) Phase 2: STORE AND CAR PARK EVACUATION (Section 4.6.2) Phase 3: STORE AND CAR PARK CLOSURE (Section 4.6.3) Phase 1: Phase Initiation On receipt of a Flood Warning message: The Store Manager is to phone the Environment Agency Floodline Direct for an update of the situation and the likely flood scenario and inform other managers. If the Store Manager receives an indication that overtopping of the banks and/or breaching of the flood defenses is expected to occur, he/she will start the evacuation procedures and close the site. This indication may come from Floodline or the local EA office. The Store Manager will call EMS and the Store Director who may come to the store to provide further assistance. Each manager will inform the team members of the activation of the store Flood Evacuation Plan. Trolley attendants are to be directed to stand at the front of the store to provide reassurance and direction to the public. The Store Manager is to contact East Staffordshire Constabulary and inform them that the store's Flood Evacuation Plan has been activated and ask for assistance if it is required. All delivery Lorries are to stop unloading stock and move away from the loading bay. If the Lorries come in contact with the floodwater they will be classified as contaminated and will need to be disinfected. The Store Manager will announce the following statement over the public address system to the customers: This is the Store Manager speaking. The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning message for this area. Although there is no immediate danger to the store, zones (name

13 zones at risk) of the car park are at risk of flooding. Tesco values your health and safety and so as a precaution have decided to close the store and evacuate the car park of all vehicles with immediate effect. If your vehicle is currently parked here, please calmly leave your shopping in the store and make your way to the exit. There are staff on hand to answer any questions. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and apologise for any inconvenience Phase 2: Evacuation Checkout Assistants are to assist and bill customers at the till as soon as the message has been announced. Other customers in the store are to calmly be told to leave their shopping and vacate the store. Checkout Assistants are to then close the checkouts and secure the cash tills. Staff are to provide assistance to customers where necessary in evacuation of the store. Trolley attendants and senior staff should be located at the front of the store to provide assistance and guidance to the customers. Cars are to leave the store in an orderly fashion (a relocation arrangement within the site may be detailed at a later date). Staff are not insured to direct traffic and so should not assist with the car park evacuation. If local police are available they may be able to help with the evacuation. The Store Manager is responsible for organising the temporary closure of the store and car park. This will require the installation of a temporary barrier to prevent access to the car park and car park closure signs at the entrance to the car park and the entrance to the main store (Maps will be provided at the detailed design stage) Phase 3: Store Closure Once customers have moved their vehicles, managers will confirm that the car park is empty. If vehicles are still left unattended, managers are to use the public address system to alert customers of vehicle number plates.. Barriers and warning lights are to be erected. The Store Manager is to ensure that barriers or cones remain in place at the entrances to the car park until the flood risk has receded and that barriers are affixed with lights so that they are visible at night. The Manager is to ensure that the cash tills are secured and that the Cash Office is securely locked. Normal Store closing procedures are to be followed and staff are to be sent home after roll call. Staff should be advised to liaise with their section manager regarding the all clear and store

14 Re-opening. A summary of the evacuation plan process is included below

15 5. Roles and Responsibilities during Plan Activation This section of the Flood Evacuation Plan details the specific tasks that have been allocated to Tesco employees to ensure that the plan is carried out correctly and as efficiently as possible Store Manager Prior to activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Contact the Environment Agency Floodline for further information. 2. Inform Section Managers of rising water levels. 3. Contact the Store Director and explain the situation During activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Once the car park is clear of vehicles, erect barriers (or cones), to ensure the car park is not used by new customers or staff. 2. Contact EMS. 3. Contact East Staffordshire Police Constabulary. Inform them that the Flood Evacuation Plan has been activated and that assistance may be requested in the near future. 4. Announce the following statement to the public over the public address system: This is the Store Manager speaking. The Environment Agency has issued a Flood Warning for this area. Although there is no immediate danger to the store, the car park is at risk of flooding. Tesco values your health and safety and so as a precaution has decided to close the store and evacuate the car park of all vehicles with immediate effect. If your vehicle is currently parked here, please calmly leave your shopping in the store and make your way to the exit. There are staff on hand to answer any questions. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and apologise for any inconvenience. 5. Inform delivery drivers to stop any deliveries and move the vehicles to higher ground. 6. If necessary use the loudhailer to speak to the public as they are leaving the store

16 7. Place a car park closure sign at the entrance of the car park. This is to inform customers that they cannot enter the car park. This task can be delegated. 8. Once all members of the public have evacuated their vehicles, ensure that any remaining other members of the public and staff have left the store. The store should then be closed. 9. The Store Manager should maintain contact with the Environment Agency s FWD service and await the all clear. 10. The store and car park should be checked for flood damage. 11. Staff can return to the store which can be reopened. 12. Signs, barriers and cones can be removed Personnel Manager, Customer Service Manager, Trading Manager Prior to activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Ensure Managers have attended the flood workshop and successfully completed the subsequent test within the last 6 months During activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Continue operations as normal unless directed by the Store Manager. The store manager will be handling the evacuation Section Managers Prior to activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Ensure all staff have attended the flood workshop and successfully completed the subsequent test within the last 6 months During activation of the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Disseminate the flood risk to the store to your team members. 2. If the Store Manager decides to close the store and car park, warn your staff that an announcement will be made to all customers, informing them of the imminent closure. Tell

17 trolley attendants they may be required to stop work and stand at the front of the store to provide reassurance to the public evacuating their cars. 3. When all customers have been successfully evacuated, roll call your team before they also evacuate the site. 4. Close the store General Assistants / Customer Services Assistants During the Flood Evacuation Plan You may be required to help with the closure and evacuation of the car park. If you are, please remember: 1. Do not help with the flow of traffic leaving the store. Health and safety guidance stipulates that no staff can help with the flow of traffic. 2. Do not allow any new customers to enter the store and car park, provide an explanation Trolley Attendants During the Flood Evacuation Plan 1. Once informed by your Team Leader of the store closure, stop work and report to your Section Manager

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