Kingston Community Risk Register

Flooding incidents in cities are often the result of burst river banks or surface water. River flooding is the result of several days or weeks of heavy rain, swelling the volume of water flowing in rivers and affecting areas in the immediate area. 

Surface water flooding  can be caused by sudden heavy downpours or burst water mains where the drainage system is overwhelmed. Surface water flooding can be difficult to predict and can happen anywhere in the borough and at any time of the year (summer storms). This can impact areas that have little or no experience of flooding.

The Environment Agency maintains and operates flood defences and provides a free 24 hour flood warning service which you can register for. You can select to receive warnings by your preferred method of communication. Always ensure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

Impacts: Evacuation, loss of access to home & work locations, diversion routes & disruption to transport routes, isolation, vulnerability increase, health issues, disruption to normal life / business for prolonged periods (recovery).

There is much that can be done to protect against flooding and advice for those who have been affected:

What residents and VCSE can do:
Find out if your property is in a flood risk area and check your insurance cover
Sign up for flood warnings - https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
Sign up for weather warnings - https://www.metoffice.gov/weather/weather-and-advice/uk-warnings
Support vulnerable neighbours
Support vulnerable users / clients (CVSE)
During a flood protect what you can, but evacuate when told to do so. 
Ensure high school children know alternative routes to school, home and to your chosen relocation site.

Have a home or community flood plan;
Environment Agency Personal Flood Plan
Environment Agency  Community Flood Plan

Plan where you will relocate to, if you have to evacuate and how will you get there
Plan what you will take with you if you need to evacuate - medicines, money, insurance details, pet/s & clothing.
Think about what you would want to move to safety during a flood - important documents, electrical goods (PC’s & white goods), pets
Switch off / shut off all electrical goods and utility supplies