In this episode of The Rising Waters Podcast, we’re exploring the intricacies of incident management with experts from The Environment Agency and Local Resilience Forums, August, Stuart Marshall and Lewis Swallow. The discussion dives deep into how communities can collaborate with authorities before, during and after a flood, whilst also highlighting the significance of community involvement, training and preparedness in enhancing flood resilience. Practical advice is also given on how and why everyone should create a personal flood plan.

Actionable Insights:

Improving Flood Warning Systems and Community Engagement

How working closely with local flood warden groups and expanding community based flood initiatives such as flood hubs, community mapping and youth education can improve flood warning systems and build resilience, especially in areas with unreliable power/communications.

Training and Exercises for Incident Response Teams

The comprehensive training done by Incident Response Teams beyond their day-to-day duties that ensure preparedness, including the testing of coordination between different agencies, as well as incorporating community engagement.

Fostering Trust Within Communities

Prioritising building relationships with local communities before incidents occur, ensuring Community Information Officers (CIOs) and other staff engaging are empowered to listen, empathise and provide useful guidance.

Local Resilience Forums:

Northumbria (Northumberland, Tyne and Wear) Northumberland County Council - Northumbria Local Resilience Forum

Cleveland (Redcar, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Stockton): Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit - Cleveland LRF

Durham and Darlington LRF: County Durham and Darlington Local Resilience Forum | County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

Reporting a flood to the right place:

Report a flood or possible cause of flooding - GOV.UK

Flood line: (0345 988 1188)

Prepare for flooding:

Flooding UK: Prepare for floods | British Red Cross

Prepare for flooding: Protect yourself from future flooding - GOV.UK

#Flooding #EnvironmentAgency #RisingWaters #IncidentManagement #Community #FloodResilience