A GUIDE FOR
COMMUNITIES
RESILIENT TOGETHER
Communities can play an important role in increasing the resilience of people to the impacts of flooding, particularly for the most vulnerable residents in the area.
Working together can help you respond quickly and efficiently to a flood.
How can communities create a resilience plan?
Find people who would like to act as volunteer flood wardens. They help advise vulnerable people and move them to safety if required, and help put in place flood protection measures.
Identify vulnerable individuals in the community who would like support if flooding occurs. They may need warning earlier than others.
Pinpoint the areas in your community where flooding has occurred previously. Try to get an understanding of flow direction.
Make sure members of the community (especially flood wardens) are signed up for flood alerts. This helps give the community time to prepare for a flood.
Understand previous flooding. Good sources can be the Environment Agency, your Local Lead Flood Authority, and local residents.
Understand the different roles that different organisations play so you know who to contact when and who may be able to help. For example, your local district council may be able to supply sandbags.
Make a list of important phone numbers that may be needed during and after a flood event, such as the Environment Agency, your Lead Local Flood Authority and land owners.
Make a list of reputable contractors who may be needed after a flood. Be careful of scam traders who may come knocking door-to-door after a flood.
Identify and encourage vulnerable property, such as campsites, schools, and care homes to develop their own flood resilience plans.
For more information about creating Community Resilience Plans, contact your local emergency planning department.
