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Below is a list of organisations, roles and responsibilities.
Fire Brigade
Your local Fire and Rescue service has responsibility primarily for
saving life, but they can also help by pumping out properties following
flood, which will aid drying out. Sometimes a charge is made for this
service. If someone is in immediate danger call 999 and ask for the
Fire Brigade. Do not use the 999 system for services that are not
urgent.
Police and Ambulance
Local Police and Ambulance services continue to provide their normal
services. If you have to leave your property following a flood notify
the local Police station (if they have not already contacted you). The
Police can give advice on securing property following flood damage.
Health Services ? GPs, Clinics, Hospitals
Flooding presents many health hazards: immediate risk of drowning,
contamination of water, respiratory problems from mould, stress and
even long-term psychological or mental health problems. Visit your
local GP or clinic whenever you have concerns over health issues and
inform the doctor that you have been flooded. In an emergency (e.g.
severe illness or injury) go to the casualty department at your local
hospital - if necessary call an ambulance (dial 999).
Local Authorities
Local authorities are one of the key groups at work during and
following flooding. The various levels of local authority (Metropolitan
Council, County Council, Unitary Authority, District or Town Council)
each have different responsibilities, but responsibility for flood
response is normally at the most local level (District or Town
Council). Special arrangements exist in larger cities such as London.
Your local authority will have emergency telephone helplines that can
provide advice (consult the Telephone Directory/Yellow Pages or dial
the Operator or Directory Enquiries for the correct contact number).
They will also help put you in touch with other services such as
emergency accommodation. Call your local authority helpline for advice.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing flood warnings and
arranging flood defence in England and Wales. In Scotland, this
responsibility lies with Local Authorities.
The Environment Agency Flood Maps are available on their website.
The Environment Agency operates Floodline (0845 988 1188) to give
information on flood warnings. Call Floodline for detailed flood
warning information for your area. You can also visit the Floodline Web
site for information on flood warnings, flood maps and emergency
actions in the event of flooding. Click here to visit the Environment Agency´s website
Insurance Broker / Insurance Intermediary
Your insurance broker may operate an emergency 24-hour telephone
helpline which you should call as soon as you are able to do so.
Insurance brokers will give advice on making a claim. They may handle
notification to the insurance company, arranging emergency
accommodation, visits by a loss adjuster and other specialists.
Remember to give them your temporary address and phone number if you move out of your house.
Insurance Company
You may deal with your insurance company or companies through your
broker, or directly if that is the way you have arranged your
insurance. All insurance companies operate an emergency 24-hour
telephone helpline, which you should call as soon as you are able to do
so. Insurers will normally handle most aspects of a claim. In the case
of flooding they will usually appoint a loss adjuster to act as their
agent in handling the details of a claim. They will then normally
arrange builders and other repair work. They will also help arrange
emergency accommodation and other support. It is vital that you consult
your insurance company before undertaking repairs on your property and
it will be very useful to them if you can take photographs of all parts
of the building that are damaged.
Loss Adjuster
Loss adjusters are specialists in the control and repair of damage.
They are usually appointed by insurers to act as their agents in
handling claims, particularly those of potentially high value. On a
day-to-day basis you will probably be dealing with the appointed loss
adjuster. Loss adjusters should be members of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters.
Structural Engineers, Surveyors and other professionals
If your property is more seriously damaged, the services of
professional engineers and surveyors may be needed. Usually loss
adjusters or builders commission these experts. Very occasionally, your
local authority may inspect your property to see if it is fit for
habitation.
These specialists should be a member of one of the recognised professional bodies, such as the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Institution of Civil Engineers. The British Damage Management Association (BDMA) may be able to advise on flood recovery and restoration practitioners.
Landlords
Dependant on the property contract, you or another party may be
responsible for repairs and/or re-accommodation. You should consult
your contract. The Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to advise.
Water, electricity, gas and telephone companies
Following a flood, you should always turn off the building?s power
supplies, get technical advice from the supplier and get your system
fully checked. Usually your suppliers, such as water, electricity, gas,
telephone (including cable services etc.), will need to be notified to
cut off and/or restore services to your property. Suspension of some
services may be needed during the flooding period and/or during
clear-up and re-building work.
Meteorological Office
The Met Office is the national organisation that produces weather forecasts for
broadcast by national and local television and radio. The Met Office
does not deal directly with the public and does not issue flood
warnings. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and on further flood
warnings - floodwaters can return a few days or weeks after an initial
flood.
Television, radio, and newspapers
Flood warnings are issued to the broadcast media by the Environment
Agency (in England and Wales) or local authorities (Scotland). Keep an
eye out for new flood warnings on the local television and radio news
during the cleanup and repair of properties.
English Heritage
If your property is a listed building your local English Heritage office may be able to advise you on the correct repair and restoration of the property.
TEL/FAX: (0)1603 879977
EMAIL: info@floodark.co.uk