Title of role
Flood warden.
Name of supervisor
Overall – Helen Down (Participation and engagement team leader).
Day to day reports and site visits – James Mogridge (Flood risk and drainage engineer) and Chloe Hopper (Climate and flooding supporting officer)
Location
Local water course or area at risk of flooding – to be determined by flood warden.
Hours
Ad-hoc, minimal during normal times but more during flooding incidents.
Purpose of role
To act as eyes and ears in monitoring local water courses and areas at risk of flooding and act as a communication channel between the authorities and local residents both in normal times and during and after any flooding.
Description of tasks and activities to be undertaken
In normal times
- Monitoring the condition of water courses and reporting any concerns or changes
- Helping to give information to those at risk of flooding, including about being prepared through things like personal flood plans, household flood kits, directing them to the National Flood Forum ‘Blue Pages Directory’ and any grants available for flood protection
- Encouraging local residents to sign up to receive the free Environment Agency Flood Warnings Direct service and making them aware of Floodline. This could include making contact with new residents as they move into the area
- Engaging with riparian landowners to make them aware of their responsibilities and encouraging proactive clearance and maintenance of watercourses, with support from Cheltenham Borough Council
During a flood
- Report flooding issues (where there is no immediate risk to life) to the appropriate agency (training and contact details will be given) providing as much information as possible (location, number of properties at risk, knowledge of any vulnerable people who may be affected)
- Take photos of the flooding if it is safe to do so
- Act as a communication channel between the community and appropriate risk management agencies such as the Environment Agency, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Highways, Cheltenham Borough Council and the emergency services. The main role of a flood warden is to pass information from the Environment Agency, district council and emergency services to local residents, and vice-versa
- Help to ensure that local people are aware of flooding / imminent flooding risk
- Encourage local residents to take action, if safe to do so, such as moving valuables upstairs, putting up flood boards or air brick covers, making sure pets are safe
- If you live in a parish council area, your community may have a Community Emergency Plan, which may document specific actions for the Flood Warden, for you to be aware of and comfortable with
- Help us support vulnerable residents who may need extra support, for example those who have disabilities, are elderly, pregnant or have young children, may be visiting the area or who may be cut off and unable to access supplies
- Keep a log of events and action taken
Following a flood
- Help to collect flooding information including where and when the water levels rose and which properties were affected
- Continue to act as a communication channel, helping to highlight residents who need practical or emotional support
- Feedback on any clearance work needed
Flood wardens should not:
- Place themselves in situations where personal safety is at risk
- Enter private properties in carrying out the role
- Rescue residents from flood water. Leave this to the emergency services
- Drive or walk through flood water
- Undertake any activity that you are not comfortable with
- Deal with any potentially difficult situations but instead contact the relevant authorities to take appropriate action
- Remove debris from watercourses, ditches or culverts or operate flood defences e.g. sluice gates. Unless you have been specifically asked or trained to do so, please leave this to properly equipped and trained staff
- Take responsibility for protecting anyone else’s property
- Absolve riparian owners of their responsibility to clear and maintain watercourses
- Go on private property to monitor watercourses- although you could ask local people to keep you informed of any problems with watercourses running through their property
Skills and qualifications required both essential and desirable
- Ideally flood wardens will be good communicators, able to liaise with local residents and authorities both verbally and electronically
- Live near to or have regular access to a water course or area at risk of flooding (for example from surface water)
- Ideally flood wardens should not live in a property that is vulnerable to flooding, as it is harder to fulfil your role if you are trying to prevent your own property from flooding
- A reasonable level of fitness so that you can monitor the water course or area at risk of flooding
Training will be given and occasional meetings of all flood wardens will be arranged.
How the role fits in with the work of the organisation
This role will help the council to build resilient communities where residents work together and with the authorities to prepare for and respond to flooding.
Expectations of behaviour and dress
You will be provided with an identity badge and a high vis tabard to identify you as a volunteer flood warden in the event of flooding.
Contact details of supervisor for any questions about the role
- Helen Down
- Helen.down@cheltenham.gov.uk
- 01242 264376
How to apply to become a flood warden
To apply for the role, please complete the application form or email volunteering@cheltenham.gov.uk or call 01242 264376 or 01242 264297.