Merseyside Prepared

Lead Agency in Merseyside – Environment Agency

ON MERSEYSIDE

Flooding can come from a number of sources - coastal, rivers, surface water or burst water mains.  Surface water flooding, after sudden and heavy rainfall, happens very quickly.

RISK IMPACTS

The predicted impacts could include:

• Risk to life (people and animals);
• Damage to properties, businesses, roads, structures and infrastructure;
• Pollution and contamination of local environments;
• Long-term damage to tourism and businesses.

CONSEQUENCES

The consequences could include:

• Disruption to utilities, electric, gas and water supply;
• Flooding of properties;
• Evacuation of residents;
• Disruption to affected businesses;
• Short, medium and long-term accommodation of those whose homes are flooded;
• Unrecoverable damage to businesses;
• Long-term psychological and health impacts;
• Long-term restoration and recovery issues for homes and businesses.

WHAT ARE WE DOING IN MERSEYSIDE?

• Identification of what areas could be affected by flood water and who is at risk;
• Production of multi-agency plans to assist with the evacuation of those communities who are at risk;
• Provision of guidance for the public about protecting property from flooding;
• Strategic area planning to protect the areas at risk;
• Development of ways and means of alerting the public as early as possible when there is a significant flood risk;
• Continuing to invest in maintaining and improving our sea defences;
• Developing flood rescue and assistance for those who become isolated by flooding.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

BEFORE

• Find out whether you live or work within a flood risk area (use the Environment Agency website www.gov.uk/flood);
• Sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct if you are in a flood warning area using the Environment Agency website (address above) or phone Floodline on 0345 988 1188;
• Get to know the flood warning codes and what they mean;
• Prepare your home to be protected during a flood (a guide for householders and small businesses); 
• Check out The Flood Hub which is a one stop shop for flood information and resources to support householders, businesses and communities across the North West in becoming more flood resilient.
• Visit the Environment Agency's FloodsDestroy website for advice before, during and after a flood;
• Download and keep a copy of the flooding leaflet produced by the Environment Agency and Public Health England which provides advice on planning for flooding before it happens, what to do during a flood and recovering and cleaning up after a flood;
• For small and medium sized businesses, download and keep a copy of 'Weathering the Storm', a practical guide for businesses in Merseyside;
• Put together your Emergency Grab Bag and prepare your Household Emergency Plan; include the locations of your water, gas and electricity in case you have to turn these off;
• Have adequate insurance and understand what to expect from your insurer if you are flooded;
• The Association of British Insurers has useful information on flooding insurance;
• Identify neighbours who may need assistance or who may be able to provide assistance to you, in case of evacuation;
• Have supplies in your home that will enable you to cope for up to 3 days should you be unable to evacuate.

DURING

• Listen carefully to weather forecasts or visit websites, heed warning and advice;
• Where possible, move valuable / irreplaceable items to upper floors during times of flood risk;
• Avoid contact with flood water it may be contaminated and regularly wash your hands;
• Listen to the Emergency Services, if they tell you to evacuate then do so.

AFTER

• If you have to enter flood water, take care as there could be hidden dangers;
• If your house is damaged due to flooding, take photos of the damaged items to support any insurance claim;
• Do not turn on your gas or electric if you have been flooded. Wait for a qualified technician;
• Visit the United Utilities website for helpful advice if you’ve been flooded and who to turn to for help;
• Follow Public Health England's guidance with some useful information on 'Recovering from a Flood';
• Read these frequently asked questions about resilient repairs to your home.