Flooding Guidance
The risk of flooding is not new to Norfolk. We have understood the threat and experienced severe coastal flooding on several occasions. Events around the country have shown that it is not only coastal areas and those that are close to rivers that are at threat. This illustrated by the events in the Summer of 2007 where there was loss of life and massive disruption to large areas of the country, particularly Gloucestershire, Humberside and Yorkshire.
Flooding can therefore occur when there is heavy rainfall that fills rivers and streams above their normal capacity, or if there are very high river or coastal tides that cause levels to rise or surge. The excess water that gathers cannot be restrained by normal boundaries (such as a river embankment) and follows the path of least resistance.
This means areas that are low lying and close to the source of a flood will be the most vulnerable. Floods can also occur when rainwater collects on the ground and cannot find a source to drain into. A typical example is surface water run-off
Localised flooding mainly happens when the ground cannot absorb any more water in a particular area, or if sewers and underground drains become blocked or cannot cope with the excess water trying to drain into them.
It is wise for everyone to consider the risk of flooding to their home / premises and make sensible precautions to ensure the safety of their families / staff and treasured possessions / business critical assets.
The Environment Agency operates a flood warning service in areas at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea. They monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding. If flooding is forecast, warnings are issued.
You can find out all the information about this on the Environment Agency's web site, including whether your property is at risk from coastal or river flooding, how to sign up for warnings and any current warnings in force.
The Environment Agency has also produced a number of useful guides, to make sure you get the most up to date versions please follow the links to their web site.
Making a Personal Flood Plan and Community Flood Plan
How to Sign up for Floodline Warnings Direct.
What to do before, during and after a flood (New Flood Guide Booklet 2011)
Also your District Emergency Planning Managers will have produced local flooding information. Go to our links page to find their web sites and search there for their advice and local publications.
NORMIT Top Tips Card
This is the information from the NORMIT Top Tips card. The whole set in pdf format can be downloaded by following the link.
What can go wrong
- Damage to building
- Damage to equipment / stock
- Loss of access
- Loss of electricity / communications
- Transport links disrupted
What you can do
- Are you in a flood risk area?
- Sign up for Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct
- Monitor weather & flood reports
- Move critical equipment / stock from areas likely to flood