The Environmental Agency is responsible for issuing flood warnings in England and Wales. There are three different types of flood warning. They are Flood Alert, Flood Warning and Serious Flood Warning.
Flood Alert
What does it mean?
Flood Alert means that flooding is possible and to be prepared.
When is it used?
It is used between two days and two hours in advance of flooding.
What are the triggers?
A Flood Alert is triggered when forecasts indicate the following:
- Flooding from rivers may be possible.
- Intense rainfall for rivers that respond very rapidly.
- High tides, surges or strong winds.
What is the impact?
The expected impact for areas with a Flood Alert is flooding of fields, recreation lands, car parks, minor roads and farmland. Also spray or waves overtopping on the coast.
What is the advice given when a Flood Alert is issued?
- Check your flood plan and be prepared to act on it.
- Prepare a flood kit of essentials.
- Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.
- Farmers to consider moving livestock and equipment to safety.
- Monitor information provided on the Environment Agency website.
- Speak to Floodline for up to date information.
Flood Warning
What does it mean?
Flood Warning means flooding is expected and immediate action is required.
When is it used?
It is used between one day and half an hour in advance of flooding.
What are the triggers?
A Flood Warning is triggered when heavy rainfall, which will cause flash flooding of rivers, is forecast. Or when high tides, coupled with strong winds occur.
What is the impact?
The expected impact for areas with a Flood Warning is flooding of homes and businesses. Flooding of rail infrastructure, roads and major tourist and recreational attractions. Also significant waves and spray on the coast.
What is the advice given when a Flood Warning is issued?
- Protect yourself and your family
- Move family, pets and others to safety.
- Move valuables to a safe place
- If it is safe to do so, turn off gas, electricity and water supplies.
- If you are experiencing a flash flood, get to higher ground immediately.
- Monitor information provided on the Environment Agency website.
- Speak to Floodline for up to date information.
Serious Flood Warning
What does it mean?
Serious Flood Warning means severe flood and danger to life.
When is it used?
Serious Flood Warning is used when flooding poses a significant risk to life or significant disruption to communities.
What are the triggers?
A Serious Flood Warning is triggered following:
- Actual flooding which poses significant risk to life and/or widespread disruption to communities.
- A breach in defence or failure of a barrier which is likely to result in significant risk to life.
What is the impact?
- Deep, fast flowing water which may contain debris.
- Potential collapse of buildings and structures.
- Communities may become isolated.
- Large numbers of evacuees are expected.
- Military support required.
What is the advice given when a Serious Flood Warning is issued?
- Stay in a safe place from which you can escape.
- Be ready to leave your home
- Monitor information provided on the Environment Agency website.
- Speak to Floodline for up to date information.
- Contact emergency services if you are in immediate danger.
What to do if you experience a flood?
These warnings are incredibly helpful to enable people to prepare for a flood. They can help limit the damage a flood can cause. It can allow people move valuable items to safety and ensure people and animals are kept safe.
However, they cannot prevent the flooding of homes and businesses.
If you experience flooding in your property it is likely that you will need to call in a professional water damage remediation company. They will ensure the property is thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent any secondary damage from occurring.
Flood doctor offer a comprehensive flood and water damage drying service. The team is available 24/7 to deal with emergencies and can provide support in preparing all of the information required by insurance companies.
If you have experienced flood or water damage call Flood Doctor today.
Source - The Environmental Agency Flood Warning Codes - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flood-warnings-what-they-are-and-what-to-do
