Falkirk Council

It is widely accepted that climate change will increase the likelihood of flooding in rural and urban areas. The UK in general has suffered severe weather incidents in the recent past with heavy rain or snow with strong winds and extreme temperatures.

Weather forecasting can now provide advanced warning of most weather events and offer general advice. The Met Office| provide updates on a regular basis for business and individual use.

Flooding

 

Severe weather incidents have and will continue to affect our area and the risk of coastal/tidal and fluvial flooding (rivers and burns) has been identified in the Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service Community Risk Register (PDF, 432KB)|.

Many agencies including Falkirk Council are involved in preparing for and responding to flooding incidents.
 
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency| (SEPA) is Scotland's environmental regulator and flood warning authority. SEPA is responsible for providing advice to local authorities on flood risk for planning purposes, and advice on flood prevention.

Floodline is Scotland's national flooding information service providing live flood warning information and advice 24 hours a day.

Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit SEPA| for more information.

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act places a duty on the Scottish Government, SEPA, Scottish Water and local authorities to better co-ordinate the assessment and management of flood risk. 

SEPA will be required to carry out a national assessment of flood risk by 2011, produce new flood risk and hazard maps by 2013 and put in place Scotland's first national flood risk management plan by 2015.

Be prepared

Flooding

Start preparing today before a flood happens and make a plan|. Don't wait until it happens, you will not have time.

The following actions taken in advance will help you prepare.

• Download our emergency information sheet (PDF, 26KB).
• Check your insurance cover - ensure it covers flood damage.
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
• Prepare an emergency kit of essential items such as a torch and wind up radio, mobile telephone battery charger.
• Agree where you will go and how to contact each other. Copy important telephone numbers you may need and keep them in an accessible place.
• Think about what you can move to a safe place now (for example photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos/possessions).
• Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood (for example pets, cars and furniture).
• Think about how to roll up carpets and rugs and agree a place to store them.
• Consider how to take curtains down or hang them over the curtain pole.
• Place important documents in polythene bags and move to a place of safety.
• Consider where any large or loose items may be moved to or how to weigh them down as required.
• Consider where you could take your car if safe to do so.
• Create a list of important contact numbers including Floodline 0845 988 1188.

Precautions

• Put home emergency pack in a safe, accessible place.
• Protect doorways and low level vents with sandbags. Remember to unblock these vents before switching everything back on.
• Move valuables, food and other possessions upstairs where possible.
• Turn off gas and electricity if flooding is definitely about to happen.

During and after flooding

• Remain near a window and try to attract attention.
• Co-operate fully with the emergency services.
• Do not switch on electricity or gas until these have been inspected.
• Do not use food that has been in contact with floodwater.

Severe storms

Before

• Check the TV (news, teletext and ceefax), radio and newspapers for the latest information and early warnings.
• Park your car off the road and away from trees and high walls.
• Secure outdoor items. Bring in as many items as possible that are lying around outside.
• Close windows, clear window sills and draw the curtains to protect against flying glass.

During

• Stay away from the windows and stay on the ground floor where possible.
• Check the TV, radio and newspapers for the latest information.

After

• If damage has occurred, inform your landlord or insurers.
• If the water, gas or electricity mains are not working inform the appropriate office.
• Without risking personal safety, rope off or protect any damaged areas to prevent injuries. 

Remember

• Be prepared to lose household supplies: gas, electricity, water and telephone.
• Try to keep calm and reassure others, especially children.
• Cooperate with emergency services, the Council and others who are there to help you.
• Avoid contact with floodwater.
• Don't return to your home until safe to do so.
• Keep checking the weather and relevant websites/radio stations in case the situation deteriorates and new flood warnings are issued.