Flooding
What you need to know
The
first responsibility for protection of property in the event of flooding
lies with the owner or occupier of the property. The owner or occupier
is also responsible for any subsequent losses, repairs or remedial measures
necessary. Owners or occupiers living near water courses or adjoining
areas/fields which give rise to excessive water run-off should take
appropriate precautions in advance of a forecast of bad weather as highway
drainage systems are not designed for and cannot cope with, run-off
from adjoining fields.
Such
precautions may include obtaining material for sandbags, determining
the positions of electricity and water supplies/cut-off points, keeping
to hand a list of telephone contacts
(numbers of emergency services, insurance company details etc.). In
addition removing equipment, furniture and vehicles which may be at
risk, obtaining a supply of constables and battery powered radios and
torches should be considered. In the even of the premises being vacated,
occupiers should ensure that their properties have been secured.
The
Council does not provide or issue sandbags to the general public. Sandbags
may be used by the Council for certain operational purposes e.g. to
control or divert the flow of water from blocked gullies or highway
culverts and for the protection of Council property/Council houses.
The
Environment Agency has a similar policy of not issuing sandbags to the
general public, but may itself use sandbags to raise flood defenses
alongside certain main rivers.
Sandbags
are available from Vale Building Centre Ltd, Cowbridge. Alternatively,
bags of sand, which are generally available, can be used. It is recommended
that the sand be placed in small suitable bags for convenience.
Duties
and Responsibilies
- Has
a duty under the 1995 Environment Act to
supervise flood defence.
- Has
the power to operate flood defence systems on main rivers and watercourses
(not a duty).
- Issues
flood warnings on some main rivers in the Vale of Glamorgan on a
limited number of sites.
Owners/occupiers
in the area included within these sites would be contacted by the Agency
and advised accordingly.
- Operates
a "flood line" flood warning system during periods of
potential risk.
The
Vale of Glamorgan Council
- Maintains
the highway drainage system including gully emptying and highway
culverts.
- Carries
out road sweeping and cleansing.
- Has
an obligation to protect Council property/houses.
- Can
help to facilitate temporary accommodation for people evacuated
from their homes.
- Operates
a major response system in severe or major emergencies involving
all the Council resources as required.
- Can
offer advice to owners/occupiers of flooded properties affected
by contaminated water.
The
Fire Service
- Primary
role in te saving of life, protection of property, rendering humanitarian
services and assistance to other Agencies and Services.
- Resources
available include inflatable boats and walkways, rope rescue teams,
mobile lighting and pumps, emergency vehicles and radio communications.
The
Police
- Can
offer assistance where there is a danger to life.
- Co-ordinate
evacuation from homes.
The
Met office
- Issues
weather advice and warnings to the various agencies involved.
Dwr
Cymru (Welsh Water)
- Responsible
for adopted sewers. From 1st April 2001 Wessex Water operates
as an agent. Their contact is 0800 085 3968.
| Flooding
Contact Numbers |
| Contact |
Day |
Out
of hours |
| Highway
Emergencies |
029
2067 3000 |
01446
747874 |
| Road
Cleaning |
029
2067 3099 |
01446
747874 |
| Sewage |
0800
085 3968 |
0800
085 3968 |
| Council
House Flooding/Sewage/Repairs |
01446
709 520 |
01446
747874 |
| Emergency
Planning |
029
2059 6611 |
029
2059 6611 |
| Environment
Agency Floodline |
029
2077 0088 |
0800
807060 |
| Danger
to Life from Flooding |
999
- Fire Service |
| Danger
to Life |
999
- Police |
| Sand
bags and supplies |
Sand
bags:
Vale Builders Merchants
Cowbridge
01446 790071
Sacks
for sand:
South
Wales Sack & Bag Co
Llandough Trading Estate
029 2071 2565 |
| Met
Office |
0845
3000 300 |
