Former Girdlestones Site Wilford Bridge Road - Melton Flood Evacuation Plan Contents PART ONE Flood Evacuation Plan 1 Introduction 2 Flood Risk 3 Preparing for a flood 4 Flood Kit 5 Flood Response 5.1 When you receive a flood warning 5.2 Flood Watch 5.3 Flood Warning 5.4 Severe Flood Warning 5.5 All Clear 5.6 Evacuation PART 2 Generic Business Flood Plan November 2012
1 Introduction 1.1 This Flood Management Plan (also known as a Flood Evacuation Plan) has been prepared for Riduna Holdings Ltd and is based upon a draft Flood Management Plan prepared by MLM Consulting Engineers 1.2 The document presents advice on the various courses of action available to the occupiers of the business units contructed on the former Girdlestone Site, Melton in the event that a tidal flood warning is issued by the Environment Agency or if the site is flooded without warning. 1.3 Advice in this document should not be considered as more accurate/important than the advice provided by appropriate emergency or governmental authorities during or prior to an expected flood 1.4 It is important that this document is read in its entirety and that a copy is issued to the occupier of each unit. The document should be reviewed at least annually by the occupants and updated as necessary in consultation with the Emergency Planner. The documents should also be read in conjunction with MLM Consulting Engineers Flood Risk Assessment report reference SJC/612668/LSP and its addendum report Revision E. 1.5 The advice presented in this document is based on information from The Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District Strategic Flood Risk Assessment The Environment Agency (EA) http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/32354.aspx 1.6 The document is presented in three main sections: Flood Risk This provides an initial view of the site location and how flooding might happen on the site Preparing for a flood Basic information and equipment which can help preparations for a flood Response to flooding What to do when flooding is expected or has happened and what actions should be taken after receipt of a flood warning from the EA
2 Flood Risk 2.1 The most notable source of flooding in the area (which is likely to have the biggest impact on the site) is tidal flooding from the River Deben 2.2 Although the area benefits from tidal defences along the River Deben, the site would be liable to flood if one of two events occurred: Overtopping of the defences during flood conditions (described as actual flood risk), ie. The water level in the River Deben rises higher than the top of the defences. Structural failure of the defences (described as residual flood risk) 2.3 Flooding of the site should not be considered as a common occurrence (given the exceptional tide levels required to overtop and/or breach the defences). However, the potential impact of flooding at the site is serious due to its proximity to the flood defences and the relatively low ground level of the site. Because of this, the risk of flooding needs to be properly assessed and appropriate measures put in place so that occupants can react quickly and safely to any potential or actual flood risks
3 Preparing for a flood 3.1 Knowing certain pieces of key information will help you to remain calm and in touch with the situation 3.2 Make sure you know The emergency arrangements for you workplace Where and how to turn off electricity, water and gas supplies Anyone near you who may need help Where the emergency flood assembly points throughout the development are located The location of normal and emergency exits The location of safe refuge on upper storeys of the buildings 3.3 Flood Warning Sign up for the EA flood warning service Website https://fwd.environment-agency.gov.uk/app/olr/home Floodline phone number 0845 988 1188 Owners and tenants will have a choice as to how to receive a flood warning, either by phone, fax, text message, or email etc Make a note of the local radio station frequencies as these are likely to broadcast updates on the situation
4 Flood Kit 4.1 The upper floor levels of the buildings are all higher than the predicted flood levels providing safe refuge for all flood events Typical flood emergency kit contents Bottle water and easy convenient food. Remember to check these supplies regularly for Use By or Best Before dates A candle and matches or lantern Camping stove and fuel Empty containers to fill with fresh water Toiletries First aid kit A wind-up or battery radio A wind-up or battery torch Spare batteries Mobile phone and emergency charger Occupants should make sure that any emergency kit contents are appropriate for the number staff likely to be present on the premises WARNING Pay close attention to the use of naked flames and emergency cooking apparatus, ensure that you are competent to use them without creating a fire risk, and remember that in the event of a flood the emergency services may not be able to reach you easily and will also be under great strain 4.2 General Advice Store all items of value in the upper levels of the building and make sure that everyone knows where and what they are. This will help to reduce any flood preparation time involved with moving items from lower storage areas to higher levels.
5 Flood Response 5.1 When you receive a flood warning: Stay calm, you have prepared for this, don t panic, absorb the information you are being given Stay alert, calmly take the actions which you are asked to take Stay in touch, listen and watch for updates on the situation Follow the appropriate actions set out below depending on the level of flood warning received 5.2 Flood Alert 5.2.1 Standard EA Advice What it means Flooding is possible. Be prepared. When it's used Two hours to two days in advance of flooding. What to do Be prepared to act on your flood plan. Prepare a flood kit of essential items. Monitor local water levels and the flood forecast on EA website. 5.2.2 Site-specific Advice No further action required the predicted high tide level will be lower the site levels 5.3 Flood Warning 5.3.1 Standard EA Advice
What it means Flooding is expected. Immediate action required. When it's used Half an hour to one day in advance of flooding. What to do Move people and valuables to a safe place. Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so. Put flood protection equipment in place. 5.3.2 Site-specific Advice No further action required but be alert and listen for further warnings. The predicted flood level for this warning is below the level of River Deben defences and flooding should only happen if the defences are breached, but if there is a breach the site could be rapidly inundated with water. If this does happen then evacuate to higher ground via the pedestrian routes if it is still safe to do so, or if necessary head to a higher floor within the building and await rescue or wait for the flood water to recede with the falling tide. 5.4 Severe Flood Warning 5.4.1 Standard EA Advice What it means Severe flooding. Danger to life. When it's used When flooding poses a significant threat to life.
What to do Stay in a safe place with a means of escape. Be ready should you need to evacuate from your premises. Co-operate with the emergency services. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. 5.4.2 Site-specific Advice Evacuate the site while it is safe to do so. The predicted flood level for this warning is only 50mm below the level of River Deben defences. Remember to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so. Do not return to the site until an All Clear is given by the EA or emergency services. If you are unable to leave the site or evacuate to higher ground via the pedestrian routes head to a higher floor within the building and await rescue or wait for the flood water to recede with the falling tide. 5.5 Warnings no longer in force (All Clear) 5.5.1 Standard EA Advice What it means No further flooding is currently expected in your area. When it's used When river or sea conditions begin to return to normal. What to do Be careful. Flood water may still be around for several days. If you've been flooded, ring your insurance company as soon as possible. 5.5.2 Site-specific Advice It is now safe to return to the site. If the site was flooded be aware of the hazards that may be present due to the flooding 5.6 Evacuation 5.6.1 Any flood risk evacuation of the area is likely to form part of a much larger evacuation. The order for evacuation is most likely to be given prior to an expected flood thus allowing for dry evacuation from the premises. Follow any instructions for a mass evacuation carefully and calmly. 5.6.2 Flood evacuation routes for within the development will remain the same as the fire evacuation routes. Follow the standard fire
exit/emergency exits signs to your nearest exit calmly. Once outside, proceed to the nearest convenient evacuation centre/point. If you are evacuating on receipt of an EA Severe Flood Warning you should be able to leave the site by car or other vehicle as flooding is likely to be some hours away. 5.6.3 If the site is flooded or is in imminent danger of flooding, do not attempt to leave the site by vehicle as this could put you in greater danger. A pedestrian egress is through the western boundary of the site into St Andrews Close and to the higher ground. The instruction for evacuation should be issued by an appropriate person, such as: A member of the emergency services (Police or Fire services) A member of the armed forces who is specifically involved in managing the emergency A representative of the civil emergency team. This is most likely to be a Local Authority Liaison Officer (LALO) acting for Suffolk Coastal District Council
GENERIC BUSINESS FLOOD PLAN (To be developed by each individual tenant/purchaser) Company name: Registered address: Date Flood plan review date Flood plan based on Environment Agency guidance document. www.environment-agency.gov.uk General contact list Floodline Electricity provider Company Environment Agency Contact Telephone name -- 0845 988 1188 Mobile -- Gas provider Water company Telephone provider Local public transport Local council emergency services Insurance company Insurance agent Alternative office premises, contact details Office / branch Telephone Fax Address
Staff Staff contact list - please continue on a separate sheet if necessary Name Job title Home telephone & address Mobile Emergency contact Emergency telephone & address Note staff who may require assistance in the event of a flood. Special needs staff member Office location Volunteer aide/s Key locations Service cut-off Electricity Gas Water Description of location Particular hazards: Hazardous material Chemicals (including cleaning products) Oil based products (gasoline, oil, cooking oil etc.) Other contaminants Description of location How to protect from a flood (i.e. move, cover, tie down)
Protective actions Identify stock, equipment and possessions that may need special protective measures, and describe the actions you will take to prevent their damage in the event of a flood. We have suggested items and ways to protect them, but make sure you follow through on your plans. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary. Items to consider: Computers In-store stock Chairs / stools Computer files Machinery Warehouse stock Tables / heavy furniture Staff files Vehicles Fittings Soft furnishings Paper files Electrical Movable goods Databases Food Ways to protect items: Make a copy and store in safe location Store above ground level Buy flood protection products Buy new flood-resistant item Move to safer location Valuable item Protective action New location (if applicable) Done Note basic building materials required. If materials are not needed, leave the relevant section blank. Materials Used for Items to protect / Sand & sand bags (unfilled), shovel Creating flood barriers (used with plastic sheeting) where to use Storage Location Done Tools - hammer, nails, saw Wood - plywood, blocks of wood Boarding up doors, windows and openings, creating shelves Boarding up doors, windows and openings, creating shelves
Sturdy plastic sheeting Plastic bags Pallets Emergency power generator Sandbag barriers, pulling up around furniture and appliances Putting around legs of tables and chairs Raising stored stock above flood level Maintaining function of air conditioning units (can help dry out a building), running fridges & freezers Note options for moving key operations to another site in the event of a flood. If you are a small business and relocation is not an option, leave this section blank. Function Temporary relocation Telephone Fax Shipping & receiving Production Customer services Payroll Information support systems Suppliers and external links Identify back-up plans for disruption of deliveries, or arrangements for short-notice cancellation with suppliers. Suggested back-up arrangements are listed below. Make sure that you follow through on your plans. For example, if you say you will use an alternate delivery address, make sure you provide that delivery address to your supplier in advance. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary. Possible contingency plans - (1) Contact supplier immediately on evacuation - (2) Use alternate supplier - (3) Use alternate delivery address - (4) Individual terms detailed in separate document (attach document to this plan) Supplier Contingency plan Supplier contact & telephone Alternative supplier contact & telephone New delivery address Own agreement (attached)
List companies whose help you may need after a flood. Make sure that you follow through on your plans, and get contracts in place, or know who to call for assistance. If help is not needed, you can leave this section blank. If you contract in advance, attach the contract to this flood plan. Flood service company Company name Contact Telephone / mobile Contract agreed Hazardous materials response team Security services Water pumping services Suppliers of emergency power / equipment Equipment repair Earthmoving or engineering Identify people who can help you before, during and after a flood, and what they can do. We have suggested ways they might be able to help, but you'll need to discuss this with them. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary. Ways people can help Assistance with installing flood products Assistance with evacuation transport Able to use their property for shelter Able to use their property as assembly point Provision of emergency storage Provision of emergency supplies or medical support Relationship Name Contact details How they can help Help agreed Neighbour Neighbour Volunteer Volunteer Other