General Advice

It is possible to keep water out of most properties provided they are of sound construction; first decide the differing ways in which it can gain entry – and then decide what mode of prevention you prefer to adopt.

All the information you need is on your computer (and if you or your family members do not have access to one the very helpful staff at the library will assist you).  Type Environment Agency – flood  in and you will be offered Prepare for flooding and then Prepare your property for flooding and onto the National Flood Forum – Blue Pages Directory.  If you are interested in any of the products check when it was tested for the Kitemark and to what width and depth of water it was it tested; check both pages of the Kitemark license; see if Product Failure Insurance is held and what guarantee is offered.  And of course is the system appropriate to your particular requirements. The National Flood Forum also shows examples of how people have made their homes more manageable in times of flood.

We are at risk of flooding at any time of the year so the best advice is to start planning today.

The National Flood Forum can be accessed directly on nationalfloodforum.org.uk , 01299 403 055.

Tide Tables for 2024 are here
The tide tables have not been adjusted for British Summer Time

In addition, there are tables that show those periods when predicted tides are close to flood warning levels, the tables can be viewed here

The information provided by these tables is as follows:

  1. The date
  2. The time of the tides
  3. The tide height in relation to Ordnance Datum Newlyn
  4. The height in relation to the flood gate closure (MAoD)
  5. The height in relation to a Flood Alert trigger point (Metres)
  6. The height in relation to a Flood Warning trigger point (Metres)

Information regarding Wells Flood Wardens
Mike and Marie Strong Joint Co-ordinators Wells Flood Action Plan

The primary role of Wells Flood Wardens is to provide a link between ourselves and residents in their assigned sector.  Wells is divided into seven sectors designated by the Environment Agency (EA) to be at varying degrees of risk from sea flooding.

Flood Wardens establish contact with the residents in their sector ensuring they are aware of risk and have registered for the EA’s ‘Floodline’ messages.  When the EA confirms Wells is at danger of flooding and the level of risk per sector we brief Wardens to inform their residents and if evacuation is likely.

At this stage contact between Flood Wardens and residents in their sector becomes invaluable – to know and be known, for both parties to have contact numbers, to encourage preparation of defences, warn of potential evacuation, location and opening of evacuation centre, impassable roads three hours before high tide, if medical care and an ambulance is required.  Later to locate ‘missing’ residents and ensure any change of location is shared.

In a flood surge we are known as Bronze Command (in some situations Operational Command or Local Co-ordination) and are tasked with ensuring we have details of residents at risk.  Thus Flood Wardens provide us with the information detailed above.  Particularly important is a change of plan – going to a friend or relative is a common example, of concern is a determination to remain in their home whatever happens and is crucial to our conversations with the police.

You will understand how valuable a role Flood Wardens play.  However activities above and beyond their role have sometimes been expected but they are required to sign a document confirming they will always act within Health and Safety requirements, never placing themselves at risk to their personal safety. For example they should never enter flood water, risk any form of rescue operation, clear blocked drains, assemble flood defences. Acting against such requirements violates their insurance cover.

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