FLOODINGHOW DOESIT AFFECT

ME?

Are you aware of the flood risk potential of your property?

Raising awareness Statistics show that one in six properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or surface water. Is your property at risk?

Public expectations Previous studies have shown that 80% of Gwynedd residents would contact Gwynedd Council for assistance if their property was being flooded or at risk of imminent flooding. This may not always be the best course of action. Read on to find out what help is available to defend your property and what to do in an emergency.

The message from Gwynedd and the other agencies is: • Similar to any other owner, the Council is responsible for managing flood risks associated with its land and properties, for example roads, buildings etc.

• Gwynedd Council will not routinely be able to issue sandbags to defend private assets, for example houses, gardens and land.

• If you consider that you need the use of sandbags then it is your responsibility to arrange it.

• Preparation is the best line of defence against flooding as very little can be done once the water levels have risen.

• We the community as a whole have to plan for that emergency, mitigate against the risk as far as possible, and take ownership of decision making.

• The key message is that it is the owner’s responsibility to instigate any such actions to defend against occurrences of flooding to their property.

• Gwynedd Council will, however, be able to aid the people of Gwynedd to become more resilient to the increasing threat of flooding from all sources.

Flooding: How does it affect me?

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Flooding is high on the agenda for Gwynedd Council, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government and the coastal storm of 2014 reminded us all of the dangers involved. Raising awareness of coastal communities to this danger and explaining what can be expected from different agencies involved with flooding are the main themes of this leaflet.

Map Gwynedd

August 14, 2014

© Hawlfraint y Goron a hawliau cronfa ddata 2014 Arolwg Ordnans 100023387 - Cyngor Gwynedd Council

0 0.25 0.50.125 mi

0 0.45 0.90.225 km

1:17,000

Flood Maps: Natural Resources Wales have flood maps for the whole of Wales. See the above map of Pwllheli which shows the possible extent of flooding should there be a breach in the defences. Natural Resources Wales and Gwynedd Council are talking to people in this area to make them aware ofthis risk.

Why Pwllheli: We are raising awareness of the potential flooding risk for the town and surrounding area for two reasons: In January 2014, during the severe storms, there was flooding at Gimblet Rock. In addition, there were two near misses at either side of the town where the existing defences were almost breached at Traeth Crugan and Abererch Sands.

Pwllheli Pilot update: You may remember the Pwllheli Pilot Project, a study of the catchment area of the three rivers flowing into the harbour at Pwllheli and the interaction of these flows with the tide. The recommendations of this study are currently being developed by Consultants on behalf of Natural Resources Wales, and it is hoped that a scheme will be developed and funded by the Welsh Government from this study. The new campaign is a follow-up to the pilot project.

Flooding: How does it affect me?

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The winter storms: Following the winter storms emergency work was carried out at Traeth Crugan to strengthen the crest of the existing defences and further work will be carried out in this area during the autumn. In addition, Natural Resources Wales has completed emergency repair works at Abererch Sands.

SMP2: The Shoreline Management Plan is a high level policy document for the management of the coastline of Wales. It has been adopted by Gwynedd Council and also has been approved by Welsh Government. This endorsement will allow forpotential schemes within Wales to compete for available funding.

What are the risks: It is impossible to completely flood-proof a property; however, there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk and damage caused by flooding. Read on to page 4 of this leaflet for advice on how to prepare yourself, your family, home or business for possible flooding. Please don't leave it to chance - the Council may not be able to respond once flooding hits.

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Flooding: How does it affect me?

What is being done in response to,and to prepare for, flooding?

Who is part of the team that plan for that emergency? • You the property owner.• The Pwllheli Community Flood Plan• Natural Resource Wales: Flood Risk Management• Gwynedd Council •Highways and Municipal (H&M) •Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM), •Emergency Planning (EP)• Emergency Services.• Welsh Water and other Utility Providers.

What are the responsibilities of each member of the team?

The property owner:• Should look at the property and determine the level of risk.• If possible reduce that risk to acceptable levels by investing in flood products, if appropriate.• Prepare an individual flood plan by visiting Natural Resources Wales’ website.• If possible, arrange insurance cover against flood damage.•Should register for Natural Resource Wales’ free flood warning service via website or by calling the Bangor office direct on 01248 484029• Look for further information on Natural Resources Wales’ website.

Natural Resources Wales:• Estimate the potential extent and likelihood of flooding.• Utilise permissive powers to maintain its defences on main rivers and the coast.• Carry out maintenance work on main rivers.• Investigate where individual property protection schemes could be an option.• Provide a flood warning service.• Continue to work in partnership with the flood wardens in order to maintain the existing Pwllheli Tidal Community Flood Plan.• Regulate activities on main rivers so that flood risk does not increase.• For more information about Natural Resources Wales, and how it could help you protect your property against flooding, visit the website: www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Flooding: How does it affect me?

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Flooding: How does it affect me?

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Gwynedd Council:

www.gwynedd.gov.uk

• We are already talking to communities across Gwynedd who are at risk.

• We can give information and practical support on how to protect your property and to make sure you and your family know what to do to stay safe if floods hit.

• Maintain existing assets on ordinary watercourses and the coast and attend to any breaches of those assets.

• To be a point of contact.

• Carry out investigations into flooding incidents.

• To support the emergency services and those engaged in emergency response.

• Assist with evacuation by arranging transportation.

• Set up and manage rest centres arrangements.

• Instigate the recovery of affected communities.

• Carry out clear up work in affected communities following flooding.

Emergency Services - North Wales Police

•To save, preserve and protect life.

•Co-ordinate the activities of the Emergency Services and other responding agencies.

•Co-ordinate any evacuations, if required.

Emergency Servies - North Wales Fire and RescueServices:• To provide resources to save lives, protect properties and render humanitarian services, eg: pumping floodwater, helping to evacuate homes

Welsh Water and other Utility Providers:• Will endeavour to maintain their services throughout the emergency

Flooding: How does it affect me?

What happens next?

You will be invited to attend an open day where staff from Gwynedd’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Unit and Natural Resources Wales’ Flood Risk Management Team will be available to answer any queries.

For further information contact:

www.gwynedd.gov.uk

Gwynedd (Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management)

01766 771 000 Pwllheli

Natural Resources WalesNorth.FIM@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

0300 065 3000

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