FloodSmart – prepare now for tomorrow - who does what?
Flood management involves several authorities and organisations, each with specific role and there will be an overall ‘lead’ agency.
Emergency services - during a flood event, the police, fire service, and ambulance services coordinate emergency response efforts.
Environment Agency (EA) - the EA is the primary agency for flood risk management. They assess flood risks, undertake improvements to flood defences, and provide flood warnings. They are also responsible for flood and coastal erosion risk management activities on main rivers and the coast, regulating reservoir safety, and working in partnership with the Met Office to provide flood forecasts and warnings.
West Sussex County Council – the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA), they oversee local flood risk, including the management of groundwater flooding, surface water run-off and ordinary watercourses.
Local authority (Arun District Council) – we manage the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ‘ordinary watercourses’.
We have some responsibility for the operation and management of local flood defenses, although in many cases, the riparian owner (the person, or people, with watercourses on, next to or under their property) will be responsible for maintenance.
We will be part of the multi-agency emergency team that will give support in the event of a flood. Arun District Council and their partners will arrange, and be present for emergency in a suitable location, if evacuation is needed.
Southern Water - responsible for managing drainage and sewer systems, which can affect flooding.
HM Coastguard Agency - as one of the four emergency services, HM Coastguard can support with inland flooding as well as coastal emergencies. All coastguard rescue officers are trained and equipped in water rescue, which includes first response to flooding.
These organisations work together to manage flood risks and respond effectively when flooding occurs. Each agency has a role to fill but if you live in a high flood risk area, it is your responsibility to prepare and make provisions in the event of your home being flooded. As part of our FloodSmart campaign we are sharing information to help with your preparations.