LTB 893/11 - Flooding - Advice to Safety Representatives

[TrueBlueTerrier]

25 October 2011
LTB 893/11 - Flooding - Advice to Safety Representatives & Branches

No. 893/11
Ref E4
Date: 25 October 2011





To: All Branches



Dear Colleagues


Flooding - Advice to Safety Representatives & Branches


Parts of Britain have been hit by floods following heavy rain, causing flash flooding in many parts of the UK, particularly South West England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Met Office have stated that further major rainfall events may occur this winter and when you get such heavy rainfall in such a short time then there is a greater risk of flooding. The Met Office will be working closely with the Highways Agency and Environment Agency to help warn motorists and residents about the potential for flooding.

Meteorologists have been warning that the effects of global warming on the European climate mean that episodes of severe flooding may 'become more frequent' in the UK. Summers will be drier, but flash floods are increasing.

Weather events once described as "freak conditions" are becoming not so unusual in recent times as the annual number of flood events have been steadily increasing since 1975. The European Environment Agency (EEA) published a report which says climate change is likely to increase the frequency of extreme flood events, in particular the frequency of flash floods.

Flash floods occur where torrential rain falls and it cannot be soaked up or drained away. This leads to run-off, with water running over the ground, rather than through it, resulting in flooding.

The Environment Agency estimates that at least five million people are at risk of flooding in the UK and planned building in flood risk areas will increase those numbers. Areas that were once unthreatened by flooding are suddenly at risk.
Key to Flood warnings

Severe Flood Warning - Severe flooding expected. There is extreme danger to life and property. Act now!

Flood Warning - Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act now!

Flood Watch - Flooding of low lying land and roads is expected. Be aware, be prepared, watch out.

All Clear - Previous flood watches or warnings are no longer in force for this area.

Environment Agency Flood warnings
The up to date Flood Warning Information can be obtained from the Environmental Agency's regularly updated Website at the following link:-
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ho ... 31618.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Floodline Warnings Direct
People can telephone 'Floodline' on 0845 988 1188 to find out if they can register for 'Floodline Warnings Direct' a new free service that provides flood warnings direct to people by telephone, mobile, email, text message, fax or pager. As well as signing up for warnings, people can get simple advice on what to do before, during and after a flood.

Flood advice guides
The Environment Agency have published three new Practical advice Guides on what to do 'before', 'during' and 'after' a flood. Copies of the Our three guides are attached as PDF file copies..

Preparing for a flood - Practical advice on what to do to protect you and your property

During a flood - Practical advice on what to do to stay safe in a flood

After a flood - Practical advice on recovering from a flood

"Flooding - Advice to Safety Representatives & Branches"
Branches should be well aware of the potential risks of flash flooding. In 2007 the United Kingdom floods was hit with a series of destructive floods that occurred in various areas across the country during the summer. The most severe floods occurred in June and July across Northern Ireland, East Yorkshire and The Midlands, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and South Wales.

Everyone should stay fully aware of the weather situation and where there is the danger of rivers rising people should check for flood warnings in their area. I would refer Branch Officials and Safety Representatives to refer to LTB 602/07 dated 2 July 2007 entitled "Flooding - Advice to Safety Representatives & Branches - "What to do and How to Stay Safe in a Flood & after a Flood" (Copy Attached).

Please also find attached a copy of LTB 705/07 dated 7 August 2007 entitled “ Flooding – HPA advice to Safety Reps and Branches ” This LTB contains advice and a range of leaflets issued by the Health Protection Agency.


Yours Sincerely





Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[fishtank]

Or you could just be an arse and wade through the heady mixture of water and raw sewage.

[Pinky 1]

It's DGP ! He's parked the van up and he's legging it