Bristol City Council FLOOD PLAN May 214 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED
Document Control Flood Plan Document Control This plan is owned, maintained, and updated by the Civil Protection Unit, Bristol City Council. All users are asked to advise the Civil Protection Unit of any changes in circumstances that may materially affect the plan in any way. Details of changes should be sent to: Civil Protection Unit Bristol City Council U39, City Hall College Green BS1 5TR This plan supplements the Avon & Somerset LRF Multi Agency Flood Plan by providing the tactical detail required to flooding in Bristol. The plan will be reviewed at least every three years, as a result of lessons identified after an activation event or exercise 1, following major changes of personnel or policy, or a change in legislation. It is the responsibility of all responding organisations to ensure that their staff are briefed, exercised and trained, as necessary, on the emergency response procedure as described either in this plan or in their own response plan. BCC briefing sessions will be offered to responding staff, exercises may cover more than one type of incident and may also have a business continuity focus. Other agencies may be invited to observe, participate, or to help facilitate exercise / training events. Joint exercises will be planned as part of the LRF Exercise Programme. Version Date Author Summary of Changes 1. 24 Kelvin Hattersley First Publication 2. February 21 Nigel Parsons Full Review 2.1 February 211 Nigel Parsons Updated with new Environment Agency Flood Warning Codes and Services 3. December 212 Nigel Parsons New layout, updates to Flood Alert & Warning Areas, GIS data analysis and Response Actions. 3.1 May 214 Nigel Parsons Updated to reflect Flood and Water Management Act 21 and LLFA role. Minor process amendments. 1 Lessons identified will be shared with the LRF multi-agency Severe Weather Sub Group. Page i NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Contents Contents 1. Introduction... 3 1.1 Aim... 3 1.2 Scope... 3 1.3 The Risk of Flooding... 3 1.4 Related & Interdependent Plans... 5 1.5 Useful Links... 6 2. Plan Activation... 7 2.1 Activation Triggers... 7 2.2 Expected Flood Response Times... 9 2.2.1 Fluvial... 9 2.2.2 Tidal... 9 2.2.3 Surface Water Flooding... 9 2.3 Response Levels... 1 3. Response Actions... 12 3.1 Objectives... 12 3.2 Actions following Warnings or Reports of Flooding... 13 3.2.1 Actions - Customer Service Centre... 14 3.2.2 Actions - Emergency Control Centre... 16 3.2.3 Actions - Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Duty Officer... 19 3.2.4 Actions - Flood Risk & Asset Management Team... 21 3.2.5 Actions - Highways & Traffic Duty Officer... 23 3.2.6 Actions - Communications & Marketing... 25 3.2.7 Actions - Marine Service Supervisor (Marine Operations)... 26 3.2.8 Actions - Security Services... 27 3.2.9 Actions - Severe Weather Group... 28 3.3 Sandbag Policy... 3 3.4 Flood Defence Barriers... 3 4. Communication Plan... 31 4.1 Specific BCC Communications Activities... 31 4.1.1 Before Flooding... 31 4.1.2 During a Flood... 32 4.1.3 After Flooding... 32 5. Recovery... 33 5.1 Recovery Considerations... 34 Appendix A - The Risk of Flooding (Background Information)... 38 A.1 Sources of Flooding... 38 A.1.1 Tidal & Coastal Flooding... 38 A.1.2 River Flooding (Fluvial)... 39 A.1.3 Surface Water Flooding... 39 A.1.4 Reservoirs Breach... 4 A.1.5 Groundwater Flooding... 4 A.2 Defence Operations by the Environment Agency... 4 Appendix B - Flood Warnings for Locations at Risk in Bristol... 41 B.1 Flood Alert Areas... 42 B.1.1 Lower Bristol Avon Area... 43 B.1.2 Bristol Frome Catchment... 45 B.1.3 Severn Estuary at Oldbury, Northwick & Avonmouth... 46 B.1.4 Tidal River Avon at Pill & Shirehampton... 47 B.2 Flood Warning Areas... 48 B.2.1 River Avon from Twerton to Bristol... 48 B.2.2 Colliters Brook at Ashton Vale... 49 B.2.3 Bristol Floating Harbour and the River Avon at Bristol... 5 B.2.4 Bristol Frome from Nibley to Stapleton... 56 B.2.5 Bristol Frome from Stapleton to Bristol Floating Harbour... 56 B.2.6 Severn Estuary at Avonmouth... 6 B.2.7 Tidal River Avon at Pill & Shirehampton... 63 Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 1
Contents Flood Plan B.3 Rapid Response Catchment Areas... 65 B.3.1 Brislington Brook at Brislington... 65 B.3.2 Lower Easton - Coombe Brook (Tributary to River Frome)... 68 B.3.3 Westbury on Trym - River Trym... 68 B.4 Historic Surface Water Flooding... 69 Appendix C - FloodCall Teleconference... 7 Appendix D - Suggested IMT Agenda... 72 Appendix E - Questionnaire Template(s)... 73 E.1 Flood Assessment Questionnaire... 74 E.2 Flooded Home Survey Letter... 76 E.3 Flood Survey Log... 77 Appendix F - Flood Maps... 78 Index of Figures Figure 1 - Plan Relationship... 5 Figure 2 - Activation Triggers... 7 Figure 3 - Warning Distribution and Response Process... 8 Figure 4 - Response Levels... 11 Figure 5 - Flood Defence Barrier... 3 Figure 6 - Warning Summary Matrix... 42 Glossary This plan does not contain a glossary. All abbreviations are written in full the first time of use and any specific terminology is defined / explained in the text of the plan. The Lexicon of UK civil protection terminology can be found on the GOV.UK webpage: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/emergency-responder-interoperabilitylexicon Definitions To help make sure people are not talking across purposes, the following definitions are provided for aspects that have the potential to be interpreted differently: PROPERTIES FLOODED PROPERTY IMPACTED PROPERTY All residential dwellings and commercial premises, including occupied mobile homes and caravans sites in low-lying coastal zones (including tourist locations) A residential or commercial building where flood water has entered to a level that has resulted in damage or limitation of use, including basements that are habitable or of commercial use. A residential or commercial building where flood water that has entered the boundary of land but not resulted in the property itself being flooded Page 2 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 1 Introduction 1. Introduction 1.1 Aim This Plan details the council s response to flooding in the Bristol City Council (BCC) administrative area. 1.2 Scope The role of local authorities is enhanced following the Flood and Water Management Act 21 so they take on the responsibility for leading the co-ordination of flood risk management in their areas, and under the Act are now designated as the Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA). BCC as a LLFA is developing a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy; this Plan details the response to flooding as part of this strategy. This Plan covers the BCC administrative area, however, the Environment Agency (EA) Flood Alert and Flood Warning Areas are identified on a river catchment, or coastline, basis rather than administrative boundaries. This Plan contains: Roles and responsibilities of the council in the response to, and recovery from, flooding incidents Details of at risk residential properties, estimated evacuation population figures and vulnerable groups & services An overview of the flood risk from tidal / coastal, rivers, surface water, reservoirs and groundwater Out of scope / not included in this plan: The response to flooding from foul sewage 2, burst water main, canals, private lakes or reservoir dam failure Evacuation and shelter of displaced people Roles & responsibilities of other responding agencies The planning undertaken at Directorate and service level to mitigate the impact of flooding on services and service users, e.g. business continuity plans. 1.3 The Risk of Flooding See Appendix A for background information on the risk of flooding in Bristol, and Appendix B on Flood Warnings for Locations at Risk in Bristol. Tidal & Coastal Flooding Communities along the coast are largely defended to at least a 1 in 2 year standard, there are approximately 3 (1.4%) properties at risk 3 from a 1:2 year tidal flooding event (Flood Zone 3) and 526 (2.5%) properties at risk from a 1:1 year tidal flooding event (Flood Zone 2) within Bristol. River Flooding (Fluvial) There are approximately 324 (1.53%) properties at risk from a 1 in 1 year fluvial flooding event (Flood Zone 3) and 9 (4.25%) properties at risk from a 1 in 1 year fluvial flooding event (Flood Zone 2) within Bristol. 2 Flooding from combined surface water/foul sewers would fall under the scope of this plan. 3 All at risk property data is approximate. Additionally some areas of Bristol are at risk from both fluvial and tidal events, either if they occur independently or simultaneously. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 3
Section 1 Introduction Flood Plan Surface Water Flooding The risk of surface water flooding increases when catchments are already saturated and are unable to absorb excess water. Flooding can occur very rapidly and often without warning. In general terms, the flooding that has affected the UK in recent times has resulted from surface water events, there are locations within Bristol that are at risk from or have experienced this type of flooding, (see Flood Risk Studies below). The Flood Risk & Asset Management (FRAM) Team have mapped critical road gullies in known high risk areas, and will advise which ones, if any, need to be inspected / cleaned in event of a flood warning. Rapid Response Catchments There are three catchment areas within Bristol that are at risk from rapid flooding following extreme rainfall events. Reservoirs There are reservoir dams either in Bristol or located such that Bristol would suffer flooding if a collapse occurred. It is likely that there will be little or no warning of a reservoir breach and flooding would be almost instantaneous. Groundwater Flooding The Bristol area is not at risk from this type of flooding although it may occur in localised areas. Flood Risk Studies Central Area Flood Risk Assessment (CAFRA) This study investigated the likelihood of tidal and fluvial flooding in the central area from the River Avon and its tributaries, including the various flood relief interceptors throughout the city. The conclusion was that tidal flooding poses the most significant risk, for the present day. This risk is likely to significantly increase over the next 1 years when considering the impacts of climate change. Fluvial flood risk was deemed to have a lesser significance primarily due to the various interceptors that have adequate capacity to convey flood flows now and in the future. The study also included assessments of how Floating Harbour assets interact with tidal flood risks. As a result of the CAFRA study conclusions BCC are now working in partnership with the EA and others to develop strategic mitigation options for the tidal River Avon. Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) This study utilised a computer model to simulate rainfall events over the entire city. The model included an interpretation of the ground surface and incorporated some of the underground surface water sewer network. Different rainfall scenarios were applied to identify areas at potential high risk of surface water flooding. These areas included, in particular, parts of Southmead, Ashton, Dundry Hills, Hengrove, Brentry and Henbury. The SWMP results were included in the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment as the locally agreed flooding information and indicated that approximately 29, properties are potentially at risk from surface water flooding in Bristol. Page 4 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 1 Introduction 1.4 Related & Interdependent Plans Other BCC Plans and / or Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum 4 (LRF) plans may also be activated, specifically these include the following: Bristol City Council Incident Response Plan Bristol City Council Incident Impact Assessment Process Bristol City Council Corporate Business Continuity Plan Bristol City Council Evacuation Plan Bristol City Council Rest Centre Plan Bristol City Council Emergency Feeding Plan Bristol City Council Emergency Recovery Plan Local Resilience Forum Major Incident Response Guide Local Resilience Forum Multi Agency Flood Plan Local Resilience Forum Generic off-site Reservoir Plan Local Resilience Forum Multi Media Plan Local Resilience Forum Warning & Informing Strategy Local Resilience Forum Science & Technical Advice Arrangements Local Resilience Forum Search & Rescue Plan Local Resilience Forum Evacuation & Shelter Plan Local Resilience Forum Recovery Management Plan The relationship between how plans fit together is shown in the diagram in Figure 1. Figure 1 - Plan Relationship 4 Local Resilience Forum - Process for bringing together all the category 1 and 2 responders within a police force area for the purpose of facilitating co-operation in fulfilment of their duties under the Civil Contingencies Act. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 5
Section 1 Introduction Flood Plan 1.5 Useful Links Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) The LFRMS will detail the short, medium and long term flood risk strategy for the BCC area. This document is under development (including public consultation) before being formally published later in 214. Hyperlink to published strategy will be added when available Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA): The BCC Strategic Flood Risk Assessment looks at the likelihood of future floods in different parts of Bristol. Results of the assessment are provided as a set of reports and maps. This webpage also links to the Surface Water Management Plan. Flood Risk Assessments Reports & Maps: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/planning-and-building-regulations/strategic-floodrisk-assessment-sfra Met Office and Environment Agency s Weather & Flood Warnings Service: Information detailing the Met Office and Environment Agency s Weather & Flood Warnings Service is available on the web at the following locations: Met Office Severe Weather Warnings: Current Warnings in Force: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/ Weather Warning Guide: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/warnings Severe Weather Advice: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/guide/weather/severe-weather-advice Hazard Manager website: https://logon.metoffice.gov.uk/ (pre-registration is required to obtain a Username & Password) Flood Guidance Statement: Current forecasts are available via the Met Office Hazard Manager website Flood Guidance Statement User Guide: http://www.ffc-environment-agency.metoffice.gov.uk/services/guidance.html Environment Agency: Current Warnings in Force and links to Flood Warning Service Guides: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/31618.aspx National Recovery Guidance: Generic Issues - Impact Assessments: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/national-recovery-guidance-genericissues-impact-assessments Page 6 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 2 Activation / Triggers 2. Plan Activation 2.1 Activation Triggers The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and Flood Risk & Asset Management (FRAM) Team 5 will consider the likely impact of any warning, and/or reports of flooding, and if necessary the CPU Duty Officer will convene an internal FloodCall Teleconference, Appendix C, to discuss the likelihood of any flooding and / or to determine the current impact on Bristol. This may lead to the actions as suggested in Response Actions - Section 3 and the command & control arrangements as detailed in the BCC Incident Response Plan. A FloodCall teleconference will be arranged if the EA convene a multi-agency Flood Advisory Service Teleconference (FASTcon) so that the current situation can be discussed before the FASTcon is held. The CPU Duty Officer and a member of the FRAM Team will participate in the FASTcon to discuss the current situation / forecast with LRF partner agencies. This could escalate to and trigger the multi-agency command & control arrangements as detailed in the LRF Major Incident Response Guide. The Activation Triggers diagram in Figure 2 shows the link between each warning or reports of flooding and the different response levels that may be triggered depending on the amount of forecast or actual flooding and the risk to life and property, and Figure 3 shows the warning distribution and initial response process. Figure 2 - Activation Triggers 5 The Flood Risk & Asset Management Team will provide advice in respect of possible flooding to areas and properties, however, are unable to provide a 24/7 service. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 7
Section 2 Activation / Triggers Flood Plan Figure 3 - Warning Distribution and Response Process Page 8 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 2 Activation / Triggers 2.2 Expected Flood Response Times The Environment Agency s Flood Warning Service includes estimated Response Times. See Flood Warnings for Locations at Risk in Bristol Appendix B. 2.2.1 Fluvial Where possible the EA will provide a 2-hour flood warning of flooding from main rivers but for many areas there may be little or no warning. 2.2.2 Tidal For coastal and tidal flooding the EA can provide a longer warning time of up to 6 hours because of the relatively predictable nature of the tidal cycle. However if high tide coincides with an unusually low atmospheric pressure a storm surge is caused increasing the height of the water. The Met Office can usually predict storm surges a few days in advance and will work with the EA to determine relation to high tide times and impact on water height. This does not take into account breaches in existing defences (e.g. flood defence failure) where there is likely to be little, if any, warning of the incident occurring in any specific area. Circumstances may preclude any warnings being issued before the onset of property flooding. There would be some forewarning of heightened risk through weather forecasting and flood warnings to both emergency services and those members of the public benefiting from the Environment Agency s Flood Warning Service. Although a storm surge or overtopping of tidal defences may be forecast over 6 hours in advance, it should not be confused with a Rising Tide emergency and should be treated as Immediate Impact. 2.2.3 Surface Water Flooding Flood Guidance Statements may forecast prolonged or heavy rain which may lead to surface water flooding, this can often be at least 24 hours in advance, however may not be very specific in identifying where this flooding may occur. Therefore it is very difficult to react to this type of warning. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 9
Section 2 Activation / Triggers Flood Plan 2.3 Response Levels A response level describes the expected scale of response to a flood incident. These are defined as: Response Level None Trigger No warnings of severe weather in force that may result in flooding Actual or forecast No flooding occurring Impact Response No specific response, normal awareness of possible flood risk Response Level 1 Standby / Monitor Trigger Yellow Severe Weather Warnings in force that may result in flooding Yellow Low Flood Risk indicated on Flood Guidance Statement for Bristol and / or surrounding area Flood Alerts in force Reports of minor impact flooding Actual or forecast Impact Response (see section 3 for response actions) Fast flowing rivers Bank-full rivers Flooding of fields and recreation land Minor road flooding Car park flooding Surface water flooding (linked to river flooding) Spray / wave overtopping on coasts Overland flow from rivers and streams Localised flooding due to heavy storms Some routine or pre-emptive actions may be required, e.g. diversion of minor roads, duty officers put on standby Heightened awareness of flood risk Consider activating FloodCall teleconference Consider notification of CRG/IMT 6 Response Level 2 Monitor / Deploy Trigger Amber Severe Weather Warnings in force that may result in flooding Amber Medium Flood Risk indicated on Flood Guidance Statement for Bristol and / or surrounding area Flood Warnings in force Reports of property flooding Actual or forecast Impact Response (see section 3 for response actions) Response Levels table continued. Flooding of homes / businesses expected Flooding of major road infrastructure Significant wave / spray overtopping on coasts Significant flood plain inundation (high risk to caravan parks) Flooding of major tourist / recreational attractions Damage to flood defences As for level 1, plus: FloodCall teleconference activated, resources mobilised Attendance on multi-agency FASTcon teleconference Consider activating CRG/IMT 6 Corporate Resilience Group formerly called the Corporate Civil Contingencies Group (CCCG). Page 1 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 2 Activation / Triggers Response Level 3 Deploy / Escalate Trigger Red Severe Weather Warnings in force that may result in flooding Red High Flood Risk indicated on Flood Guidance Statement for Bristol and / or surrounding area Severe Flood Warnings in force Reports of significant or catastrophic flooding (actual or forecast) Actual or forecast Impact Response (see section 3 for response actions) Risk to life Severe adverse impact on local infrastructure anticipated: e.g. transport, hospitals & utilities Significant impact on the capacity of professional partners, organisations and the public (e.g. vulnerable groups) to effectively respond Flood defence failures or overtopping, which could result in extreme flooding As for level 2, plus: Co-ordinated multi-agency response Activate CRG/IMT Figure 4 - Response Levels Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 11
Section 3 Response Actions Flood Plan 3. Response Actions 3.1 Objectives Irrespective of particular roles and responsibilities of organisations and agencies that may be involved in responding, they will be working to a common set of objectives, namely to: Ensure public safety Protect and secure property Maintain essential access routes Provide essential advice and information to the public Maintain critical services Protect health and safety of responders Safeguard the environment Maintain normal services, as appropriate, outside of the affected area Facilitate investigations and inquiries Promote self-help and recovery Restore the situation to normality as soon as possible Evaluate the response and identifying lessons to be learned. In the event of the threat of or actual flooding taking place BCC will take what steps are necessary to support the communities that may be affected by flooding. The following pages detail the specific actions of each team with a responsibility to respond to either flood warnings and / or reports of flooding to achieve the following as necessary: Liaise with the Environment Agency to identify possible levels of flooding Activating the Incident Management Room (IMR) [G27, City Hall] Where possible making use of appropriate methods to prevent flood water movement Clear blocked non-main river watercourses, if it is safe to do so (Main rivers are dealt with by the Environment Agency) Clear blocked road drainage channels and maintain safe conditions on the roads, including placing of appropriate warning signs Preparation for and the evacuation of people to designated rest centre locations (where their properties are flooded or about to be flooded) The closure of roads affected by flooding to minimise risk to others Setting up help lines for public information Ensuring adequate information is forthcoming to affected communities Carrying out an evaluation of the environmental issues that might arise from the impacts of flooding Providing logistical support within the remit of the council s responsibilities (transport, feeding, and temporary accommodation for evacuated people) Assessing what financial support might be required at or after the flooding Leading the recovery following any flooding to ensure a speedy return to normality All personnel will maintain records 7 of their actions, as well as financial records where required, through the Response AND Recovery to flooding. 7 AIMS (Atlas Incident Management System) should be proactively used for all incident recording, e.g. logging all actions, decisions, etc. Page 12 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2 Actions following Warnings or Reports of Flooding Section 3 Response Actions All the relevant personnel must complete emergency control logs detailing any messages received and transmitted, together with actions they have taken or other personnel or organisations state they will take. Service / Response Team Page Customer Service Centre (Business Change) 14 Emergency Control Centre (People) 16 Civil Protection Unit (City Director s Office) 19 Flood Risk & Asset Management Team (Place) 21 Highways & Traffic Services (Place) 23 Communications & Marketing (City Director s Office) 25 Marine Operations (Place) 26 Security Services (Place) 27 Severe Weather Group* 28 Corporate Resilience Group / Incident Management Team (CRG/IMT) See below * The Severe Weather Group in the context of this plan are Strategic Directors, Service Directors and critical service managers or individuals who are on the email autoforward distribution list for weather and flood warnings. Corporate Resilience Group / Incident Management Team (CRG/IMT) If the CRG meet as the IMT there are a number of considerations that they will need to address. A suggested agenda for the first meeting is at Appendix C. The CRG/IMT need to implement and continually review section 5.1 Recovery Considerations as soon as any life saving response is over. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 13
Section 3 Response Actions Flood Plan 3.2.1 Actions - Customer Service Centre During office hours the Customer Service Centre (CSC) may be the first point within the council to receive reports of flooding. These may be from seemingly unconnected calls from the public, which collectively describe an unfolding event. To help determine the severity and the response required following reports of flooding the CSC have a Flood Impact Decision Tree 8 and access to other resources, for example, maps showing surface water High Risk Areas, (maps provided by the FRAM team showing the areas at highest risk from surface water flooding across the city). Level 1 Standby / Monitor Reports of Minor Flooding On receipt of calls concerning flooding of roads: Record the incident on Lagan CRM Carry out the following actions: Blocked gully - if it is not an emergency or located within a defined surface water High Risk Area, it is logged on Lagan. (All gullies are cleansed as per the schedule posted on the Council s website. The team will not deviate from the schedule unless an emergency arises.) Water Main - customer asked to contact Bristol Water Sewer flooding - customer asked to contact Wessex Water Rivers and Streams - customer asked to contact the Environment Agency Floodline 845 988 1188 service Provide a monthly report of all incidents to the Flood Risk Manager (FRAM) Level 2 Monitor / Deploy Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Record the incident on Lagan CRM Check ownership; if a council property transfer to the appropriate team, e.g. Landlord Services Carry out the following actions: Blocked gully - log on Lagan, the Highways Admin team will then allocate to contractor as appropriate Water Main - customer asked to contact Bristol Water Sewer flooding - customer asked to contact Wessex Water Overland - determine landowner and notify Rivers and Streams - customer asked to contact the Environment Agency Floodline 845 988 1188 service Provide a monthly report of all incidents to the Flood Risk Manager (FRAM) FloodCall Teleconference On receiving a request to join a FloodCall: Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast Update participants on flood related calls, impact on call levels, etc.. 8 Flood Impact Decision Tree accessed via Lagan using the customer service guide Page 14 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.1 Actions - Customer Service Centre (cont.) Section 3 Response Actions Level 3 Deploy / Escalate Major Flooding - Roads and / or Properties Major flooding of a road is defined as a flood causing significant disruption to traffic or posing a threat to a person or property. An example of this would be flooding of over 5% of a road. Major flooding of property is where a flood is affecting more than one property and there is significant risk to a person or property. On receipt of calls concerning major flooding to roads and /or extensive flooding to properties: Record the incident on Lagan CRM and contact the Highways Admin team Team Leader will commence AIMs log (if trained) Record details of the location(s) and the extent of the flooding, if property: Record details of the householder / owner and address Check ownership; if a council property contact appropriate team, e.g. Landlord Services Carry out the following actions: Blocked gully - log on Lagan, contact the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer to assess and allocate to contractor as appropriate If highway flooding, notify Highways Services Business Support Group by fax Water Main - customer asked to contact Bristol Water Sewer flooding - customer asked to contact Wessex Water Overland - determine landowner and notify Rivers and Streams - customer asked to contact the Environment Agency Floodline 845 988 1188 service Provide a monthly report of all incidents to the Flood Risk Manager (FRAM) Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 15
Section 3 Response Actions Flood Plan 3.2.2 Actions - Emergency Control Centre The Emergency Control Centre (ECC) have access to information provided by the FRAM team to help determine the severity and the response required, for example, maps showing surface water High Risk Areas, (maps showing the areas at highest risk from surface water flooding across the city). Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Be aware of situation, in case of further / related calls No further cascade required On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s) or significant high tides. Be aware of situation, in case of further / related calls No further cascade required Reports of Minor Flooding On receipt of calls concerning flooding of roads: Contact the appropriate contractor to deal with incident, maintaining a record of the details Notify the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Where flooding is adjacent to council boundaries ECC will liaise with the adjoining council to ensure that attention is paid to gullies at or near such boundaries Where flooding is caused by water mains (Bristol Water) or sewerage failure (Wessex Water) notify the appropriate organisation to respond Inform the Environment Agency where flooding has been caused by main river or coast Provide a monthly report of all incidents to the Flood Risk Manager (FRAM) Page 16 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.2 Actions - Emergency Control Centre (cont.) Section 3 Response Actions Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Be aware of situation, in case of further / related calls Monitor flood and water levels via CCTV Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Commence AIMs log Record details of the location including the householder or owner, address and the extent of the damage Check ownership; if a council property contact appropriate team, e.g. Landlord Services Notify the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team Notify the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Notify the CPU Duty Officer Notify the Duty Marine Service Supervisor Where flooding is caused by water mains (Bristol Water) or sewerage failure (Wessex Water) notify the appropriate organisation to respond Inform the Environment Agency where flooding has been caused by main river or coast FloodCall Teleconference Out of hours: On receiving a request by the CPU Duty Officer to activate a FloodCall: Notify the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Notify the Duty Marine Service Supervisor Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast Update participants on flood related calls, any flooding observed using CCTV, impact on call levels, etc.. During working hours: Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast Update participants on flood related calls, any flooding observed using CCTV, impact on call levels, etc.. Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 17
Section 3 Response Actions 3.2.2 Actions - Emergency Control Centre (cont.) Flood Plan Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Notify* the CPU Duty Officer Notify* the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team Notify* the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Notify* the Duty Marine Service Supervisor Notify* Communications & Marketing Notify the Duty Security Team * This notification is in addition to any direct warning the recipient may have received from the Environment Agency and has to be completed to ensure the warning has been received, especially out of hours. Reports of Major Flooding - Roads and / or Properties Major flooding of a road is defined as a flood causing significant disruption to traffic or posing a threat to a person or property. An example of this would be flooding of over 5% of a road. Major flooding of property is where a flood is affecting more than one property and there is significant risk to a person or property. On receipt of calls concerning major flooding to roads and /or extensive flooding to properties: Commence AIMs log Record details of the location(s) and the extent of the flooding, if property: Record details of the householder / owner and address Check ownership; if a council property contact appropriate team, e.g. Landlord Services Ensure the Police and other emergency services are aware Notify the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team Notify the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Notify the Duty Marine Service Supervisor Notify Communications & Marketing Notify the CPU Duty Officer Consider the need to set up Help Lines / additional resources to deal with requests from the community Where flooding is caused by water mains (Bristol Water) or sewerage failure (Wessex Water) notify the appropriate organisation to respond Inform the Environment Agency where flooding has been caused by main river or coast Page 18 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.3 Actions - Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Duty Officer Section 3 Response Actions Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Be aware of situation On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s), significant high tides, or other incidents / events in the city. Reports of Minor Flooding On receipt of calls concerning flooding of roads: Be aware of the situation Consider the implications with regard to the activation of the BCC Incident Response Plan Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Be aware of the situation in case of reports of localised flooding, and if necessary carry out actions as if a Severe Flood Warning was issued On receiving an invitation to join a multi-agency Flood Advisory Service Teleconference: Activate and convene a FloodCall Join the Teleconference to develop an understanding of warning, likelihood and impact Discuss with LRF partner agencies escalating to, and triggering, a multiagency response Consider the implications with regard to the activation of the BCC Incident Response Plan FloodCall Teleconference Out of hours: Request Emergency Control to notify FloodCall participants Join the FloodCall to discuss flood situation / forecast During working hours: Discuss situation / forecast with the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team before convening FloodCall teleconference Notify Emergency Control Notify the Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Notify the Duty Marine Service Supervisor Notify the Customer Service Centre Join the FloodCall to discuss flood situation / forecast Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 19
Section 3 Response Actions 3.2.3 Actions - Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Duty Officer (cont.) Flood Plan Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Be aware of the situation Consider the implications with regard to the activation of the BCC Incident Response Plan Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Consider the impact of warning in relation to weather conditions / forecast, and if necessary: Discuss situation / forecast with the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team Activate the BCC Incident Response Plan Put on standby or activate Duty Strategic & Tactical Officers Call a meeting of the Incident Management Team (IMT) (inc. business continuity specialist & managers of critical services) Update the Severe Weather Group Put on standby the Avon Site Trans Ltd contractor, and trained staff, in case deployment of Flood Barriers are required Liaise with other Agencies Reports of Major Flooding - Roads and / or Properties Major flooding of a road is defined as a flood causing significant disruption to traffic or posing a threat to a person or property. An example of this would be flooding of over 5% of a road. Major flooding of property is where a flood is affecting more than one property and there is significant risk to a person or property. On receipt of calls concerning major flooding to roads and /or extensive flooding to properties: Discuss situation with the Flood Risk & Asset Management Team Consider activating the BCC Incident Response Plan Call out other members of the CPU team to support the response Consider requirement for Flood Barriers equipment, if required: Put on standby, or call out, Avon Site Trans Ltd contractor and trained staff ready to deploy Brief Strategic / Tactical Duty Officers If Incident Response Team (IMT) activated: Activate Incident Management Room (IMR) Refer CRG/IMT to suggested agenda, Appendix D If multi-agency Strategic or Tactical activated, arrange support to those officers Consider Humanitarian aspects of flooding Initiate other relevant plans accordingly (See section 1.4 Related & Interdependent Plans) Page 2 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan Section 3 Response Actions 3.2.4 Actions - Flood Risk & Asset Management Team The role of the Flood Risk & Asset Management (FRAM) Team is to interpret flood warnings and to provide advice in respect of possible impact and area(s) affected to the CPU and Highways & Traffic Duty Officers. The FRAM team will also decipher and make available data (such as flood maps) as and if required. The FRAM team keep records of all reported flooding, as part of their understanding / knowledge base of locations at risk. Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Interpret warning and provide advice as necessary Monitor situation On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency: Interpret warning and provide advice as necessary Monitor situation Reports of Minor Flooding Is flooding in a known at risk location? Is remedial work required? Provide advice and assist other teams to direct resources efficiently Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Interpret warning and provide advice as necessary Monitor situation in case of reports of localised flooding or in case a FloodCall or FASTcon is convened If necessary carry out actions as if a Severe Flood Warning was issued Reports of Property Flooding Is flooding in a known at risk location? Is remedial work required? Provide advice and assist other teams to direct resources efficiently FloodCall Teleconference On receiving a request to join a FloodCall: Investigate current flooding situation (discuss with CPU Duty Officer before teleconference) Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast FASTcon During working hours (if available): Investigate current flooding situation (discuss with CPU Duty Officer before teleconference) Join the FASTcon with the CPU Duty Officer to discuss flood situation / forecast Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 21
Section 3 Response Actions 3.2.4 Actions - Flood Risk & Asset Management Team (cont) Flood Plan Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Liaise with Civil Protection Duty Officer to determine areas likely to be affected; numbers of vulnerable population; impact on council services, etc Reports of Major Flooding Is flooding in a known at risk location? Is remedial work required? Provide advice and assist other teams to direct resources efficiently Page 22 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.5 Actions - Highways & Traffic Duty Officer Section 3 Response Actions Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Consider impact of warning and any pre-emptive actions that may be required? (e.g warn staff, prepare equipment, etc..) and if necessary: Arrange for emergency gully sucking / culvert clearing in known high risk areas (in relation to normal maintenance programme and FRAM advice) Check availability of resources (inc. contractors and staff) Make sure sufficient sandbags are filled and available to be deployed (Note: No sandbags given to general public) On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s) or significant high tides. Reports of Minor Flooding On receipt of calls concerning flooding of roads: Assess the impact of expected flooding on the highway network Consider opening Traffic Control Centre if out of hours Set city Variable Message Signs (VMS) to display flood information Supply traffic information to radio stations who broadcast traffic bulletins Attend and inspect the affected area, if necessary: Report problem to FRAM team for any further action Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Consider the warning in relation to current weather conditions / forecast, and if necessary carry out actions as if a Severe Flood Warning was issued Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Attend and inspect affected properties Investigate the cause and initiate any remedial action required FloodCall Teleconference On receiving a request to join a FloodCall: Investigate current flooding situation Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 23
Section 3 Response Actions Flood Plan 3.2.5 Actions - Highways & Traffic Duty Officer (cont.) Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Consider impact of warning, and if necessary: Assess the impact of expected flooding on the highway network Consider opening Traffic Control Centre if out of hours Set city Variable Message Signs (VMS) to display floods expected Arrange for emergency gully sucking / culvert clearing in known high risk areas (in relation to normal maintenance programme and FRAM advice) Check availability of resources (inc. contractors* and staff) Make sure sufficient sandbags are filled and available to be deployed (Note: No sandbags given to general public) In conjunction with the Flood Risk Manager determine specific locations where flooding might occur (especially on the bank of the River Avon within the City area), and if necessary: Arrange for specific location(s) to be monitored by available staff Major Flooding - Roads and / or Properties Major flooding of a road is defined as a flood causing significant disruption to traffic or posing a threat to a person or property. An example of this would be flooding of over 5% of a road. Major flooding of property is where a flood is affecting more than one property and there is significant risk to a person or property. On receipt of calls concerning major flooding to roads and /or extensive flooding to properties: Consider opening Traffic Control Centre if out of hours Set city Variable Message Signs (VMS) to display flood information Supply traffic information to radio stations who broadcast traffic bulletins Establish link with emergency services (through CPU) and provide assistance with temporary traffic management and road closures and assist with containing the risk to life and property Liaise with Traffic Signals team to assist with city wide traffic control through the use of the Traffic Control Centre Liaise with Highways Agency Attend and assess the impact of the flooding on the highway Investigate the cause(s) and initiate any remedial action required to minimise the impact (where possible) Contact contractors to clear gullies and blocked drains, and direct to affected areas to deploy sandbags at strategic locations Page 24 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.6 Actions - Communications & Marketing Section 3 Response Actions Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Be aware of situation On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s) or significant high tides. Reports of Minor Flooding Be aware of situation in case of media enquiry See Communications Plan Section 4 Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Be aware of situation in case of media enquiry, and if necessary carry out actions as if a Severe Flood Warning was issued Reports of Property Flooding Be aware of situation in case of media enquiry See Communications Plan Section 4 Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: See Communications Plan Section 4 Liaise with CPU Duty Officer to determine areas likely to be affected; numbers of vulnerable population; impact on council services Be capable of responding to media enquiry Liaise with other agency s media teams Consider what information may be needed by elected members Reports of Major Flooding See Communications Plan Section 4 Inform media sources of road closures and diversions Be aware of situation in case of media enquiry Work with ICT to ensure that council web content is updated Work with the CPU, SLT and ICT to ensure staff are updated on the situation as it affects them during office hours through emails and other e-channels Notify Elected Members as required Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 25
Section 3 Response Actions 3.2.7 Actions - Marine Service Supervisor (Marine Operations) Flood Plan Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Consider impact of warning and any pre-emptive actions that may be required? (e.g warn staff, prepare equipment, etc..) On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s) or significant high tides. Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Consider the warning in relation to current weather conditions / forecast and future tide conditions, and if necessary carry out actions as if a Severe Flood Warning was issued Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Consider the implications in relation to any impact on the City Docks and related property by rising flood waters / tide conditions and initiate any remedial action required FloodCall Teleconference On receiving a request to join a FloodCall: Investigate current flooding situation Join the FloodCall when convened to discuss flood situation / forecast Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Consider the warning in relation to the future tide conditions Carry out any necessary pre high tide preparations to reduce the impact on the City Docks by rising flood waters, e.g. lowering water level within harbour (as discussed / agreed with Environment Agency), advising boat owners, etc. Page 26 NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Version 3.1 (May 214)
Flood Plan 3.2.8 Actions - Security Services Section 3 Response Actions Level 1 Standby / Monitor On receiving a Severe Weather or Flood Guidance Statement: Consider impact of warning and any pre-emptive actions that may be required? (e.g warn staff, prepare equipment, etc..) On receiving a Flood Alert message from the Environment Agency, no subsequent action / response is required; unless the Flood Alert coincides with other significant weather event(s) or significant high tides. Reports of Minor Flooding On receipt of calls that roads are being flooded: Respond as requested Level 2 Monitor / Deploy On receiving a Flood Warning message (or any Flood Warning Updates) from the Environment Agency it is important to check which area the warning relates to. A Flood Warning has been issued because property is at risk from flooding. Be aware of situation Reports of Property Flooding On receipt of calls that properties are being flooded: Respond as requested Level 3 Deploy / Escalate On receiving a Severe Flood Warning from the Environment Agency: Be aware of situation Check the specified locations, as and when requested, where flooding might occur and report back on situation For river locations, report back on the height of water in relation to possible over-topping, especially at high tide times Major Flooding - Roads and / or Properties On receipt of calls that road and / or properties are being flooded: Respond as requested Version 3.1 (May 214) NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED Page 27