PAPER C3

Committee: FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE

Date: 15 APRIL 2002

Title: EMERGENCY FLOOD PLANS

REPORT OF THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To present to Members Emergency Planning’s current and proposed actions in the event of flooding on the Isle of Wight.

BACKGROUND

Members will recall that the autumn and winter of 2000/2001 saw some of the worst weather in this country for over two hundred years. The Island suffered a number of torrential downpours, which combined with high tides and wind caused many incidents of flooding to businesses and dwellings.

Following these events, the Council adopted a policy of issuing free sandbags to property owners on request. In Cowes and Ryde, self help cabinets containing sand bags have been installed for residents’ use. Residents Associations and the Fire and Rescue Service in both locations hold the keys. In addition Emergency Planning adapted their plans in order to respond more effectively to Environment Agency flood warnings, which are received by fax during working hours and through Fire Control at other times. The plan is attached, represented in diagrammatic form. The staff contacts associated with the plan form part of the Council’s generic Activation Pack, which is widely distributed. Work currently in progress will provide the Island’s population with advice and information on what to do before and after a flood event, and will appear on the Council’s internet site under Emergency Information during this May.

The Environment Agency has responded by commissioning consultants to investigate seventeen villages on the Island that suffered from flooding. One of the recommendations in the consultants report calls for villages and other communities to set up Flood Action Groups to work with the Environment Agency and the Council to resolve flooding issues locally and develop Village Flood Plans. The Environment Agency is currently using the report to produce a five-year action plan and has asked Emergency Planning to assist village and Parish Councils that wish to develop a plan.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Members continue to support Emergency Planning’s response to flood warnings and their role in coordinating other Council staff assisting in flood relief operations.

2. Members agree that if requested, Emergency Planning will endeavour to assist any village or community that wishes to develop a Flood Plan for its area.

Contact Point: Mike Jolliff, Tel 82(3114)

R HARDS

Chief Fire Officer