The government has held emergency COBRA meetings to prepare for the storm,
which aimed to ensure that central government's departments are working
alongside transport and utility firms and local authorities to ensure that the
health and safety risks posed by the flood are controlled and reduced as much
as possible.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary of State Owen
Paterson said that the Environment Agency and local authorities are already on
the ground in at-risk areas, are working hard and are ready to perform all
necessary actions to protect people and property.
He urged people whose health, safety or property could be at risk due to
flooding to sign up to the flood warning system from the Environment Agency and
to follow the advice they are given.
Health and safety flood advice
To prevent personal injury claims in a flood and to minimise the risks to
people's health and safety, people and businesses should consider whether they
need a personalised flood plan, which should consider the things they have to
do - such as shut off utilities - and the people they should call - such as the
council, utility providers or insurers - should they become involved in a flood.
Local radio stations can provide health and safety advice and tell
listeners about any emergency provisions or any road closures that may affect
them. It is also a good idea to keep on top of any weather and road travel
information.
People should then gather torches, blankets, a first aid kit, medication,
clean drinking water and food and move any expensive or important items to
higher level.
Floodwater can be very dangerous, leading to a number of personal injury
compensation claims and fatal accidents. People must not drive or walk through
floodwater, and should ensure that vulnerable adults and children do not travel
through floodwater either.
Many local authorities will provide their residents with flood protection
products, such as airbrick covers, flood boards, toilet bungs, and sand bags,
and these may also be available in local retailers or hardware stores. People
should use these whenever flooding poses a risk to their property or their
health and safety.
The emergency services may be overwhelmed in very serious weather
conditions, but it is vital that people call 999 if someone is injured or if
they are in immediate danger.
