Floods *

Flooding responsibilities are often quite hard to determine however the general rule of thumb is:

The owner of a property has the responsibility to protect their own property as long as they do not deliberately direct the flow of water towards another persons property i.e pump or channel it.

The Environment Agency is the "Supervising Authority" but deal mainly with main rivers.

Essex County Highways have the responsibility to ensure that the highway is kept flood free as far as reasonably practicable.

Braintree District Council is the "Operating Authority" and deal with localised flooding i.e. ditches, pipes, and culverts.

All of the above authorities have "Permissive Powers" to become involved with any area of flooding which means that they are able to take legal action against offenders if we choose to become involved.

- Who is responsible for what?

It would be advisable for members of the public to contact Braintree District Council in the first instance and we will be able to signpost them in the right direction.

Contact:

Phone: 01376 552525 or Email: csc@braintree.gov.uk

Flooded Road

It could happen to you!

Your Home or Business could flood this year

Take 2 minutes to find out how to prepare yourself…

Step 1  - Get a box or a bag (waterproof is best)

Step 2 - Make sure everyone at home knows what is in the bag/box, where it is and why it is there…

Step 3 -  What do you put in the flood bag/box?...

What?  A Torch

Why?  The power may have been cut off  - Remember spare batteries, or invest in a cheap wind up torch

What?  A Radio

Why?  The power may have been cut off.

Remember spare batteries, or invest in a wind up radio

We would expect you to

"Go In, Stay In, Tune In"

Any information about what the Emergency Services or Local Authority are doing to help you will be broadcast regularly on local radio.

BBC Essex – will help us get information to you in times of emergency – 95.3 & 103.5 FM

What?  Copy of Personal/Insurance documents

Why?  Flood water is dirty and will ruin anything which gets wet (including photos) – it would be a shame to lose anything of sentimental value.

It is better to photocopy any personal documents or insurance details you have and put these in the bag/box. Keep the bag/box in a safe place

You will need these documents for an insurance claim, and to assist you after the flood event if everything else is lost.

What?   Spare medication

What?    Basic First Aid Kit and Anti-bacterial Wipes

Why?     Just in case …it is always a good idea to have a small first aid kit to hand.

Don’t forget Flood Water is dirty and full of bacteria.  Get some anti-bacterial wipes – a small packet from the supermarket will do.

 

 

 

Useful Links *

- Flooding Advice 

- Braintree District Council Flooding Policy

- Main advice Provided by the Environment Agency.

- General advice is provided by Essex County Council as they coordinate the help provided by the Emergency Services and other local authorities.

- Driving in Severe Weather (Hot & Cold Weather)

- Preparing for Cold Weather & Storms

- Env Agency Preparing for a flood leaflet

- Env Agency During a flood Leaflet

- Env Agency After a Flood leaflet

More Information *
For further information, please contact BDC Customer Service Centre at csc@braintree.gov.uk

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