Upload
others
View
4
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Kensington and Chelsea Multi-Agency Flood Plan Thames Breach/Overtop Flooding
Controlled Document
Public Version
Issue Number 3
Date of Issue 04 February 2013
Issue No.3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 page 2 of 54
Publishing Information
Document Ownership
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum c/o Contingency Planning Unit (Secretariat) Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Kensington Town Hall Hornton Street, Kensington, W8 7NX
Contact Telephone: 020 7361 3475 Fax: 020 7361 2753 Email: [email protected]
Plan Authors Contingency Planning Unit Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Publication History Issue 1 – 18th January 2010 Issue 2 – 26th April 2011 Issue 3 (Public) – 04 February 2013
Security Classification PROTECT Because of the details of emergency management, fallback centres and contact numbers, this document has been classified as PROTECT, and should only be shared with those with a particular need for it. A Public version is available with the restricted details removed.
Distribution Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Metropolitan Police (Kensington and Chelsea Borough Command Unit) London Fire Brigade (Kensington and Chelsea Borough Command Unit) London Ambulance Service NHS Kensington and Chelsea Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Multi Agency Flood Plan - Thames Breach CONTENTS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 3 of 54
CONTENTS
CONTENTS.................................................................................................. 3 1. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 5 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PLAN ........................................................ 6
2.1 Aims ................................................................................................ 6 2.2 Objectives ........................................................................................ 6 2.3 Overview of Flooding in the Borough ............................................... 7 2.4 Planning Assumptions ..................................................................... 8
3. OWNERSHIP AND AUDIENCE ............................................................... 9
4. THE RISK OF FLOODING ..................................................................... 10
4.1 Historical context ........................................................................... 10
4.2 Methodology .................................................................................. 10 4.4 Overview of Thames Breach/Overtopping Flood Risk in the Area . 10 4.5 Communities at Risk ...................................................................... 11 4.6 Key Infrastructure at Risk ............................................................... 11 4.7 Flood Warning Service................................................................... 12
5. RELATED AND INTERDEPENDENT PLANS ........................................ 15
5.1 Regional and National Interrelated Plans....................................... 15 6. COMMUNICATION PLAN ...................................................................... 17
6.1 Internal Escalation Procedures ......................................................... 17
6.2 Members ........................................................................................... 17 6.3 Organisational Staff .......................................................................... 17
6.4 Cross Boundary Mutual Aid .............................................................. 17 6.5 Media ................................................................................................ 18
6.6 General Public .................................................................................. 18 6.7 Public Helpline .................................................................................. 18
6.8 Vulnerable People ............................................................................ 18 6.9 Schools ............................................................................................. 18 6.10 Faith/Minority Groups...................................................................... 19
6.11 Door Knocking ................................................................................ 19 7. PLAN ACTIVATION ............................................................................... 20
7.1 Trigger Points for Thames Breach Flooding Plan Activation .......... 20
7.2 Rationale ........................................................................................ 20
8. ACTION, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................... 23
8.1 Activation and Response ............................................................... 23 8.2 Escalation of Response ................................................................. 23
8.3 Further Escalation .......................................................................... 24 Figure (5) Escalation Process ................................................................. 25 25
8.4 Health and Safety Considerations ................................................. 25 8.5 Flood Specific Responders Actions, Roles and Responsibilities ... 26
8.6 Environmental Impacts ..................................................................... 33 9. VULNERABLE PEOPLE ....................................................................... 35 10. EVACUATION AND SHELTERING OF PEOPLE ............................ 36 11. RECOVERY ......................................................................................... 37
11.1 Common Issues following flooding ................................................ 37
11.2 Formal Handover ........................................................................... 38 12. TRAINING AND EXERCISING ............................................................. 39
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach CONTENTS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 4 of 54
12.1 Training ........................................................................................... 39 12.2 Exercising ...................................................................................... 39
13. REFERENCES ..................................................................................... 40
14. APPENDICES ..................................................................................... 41 APPENDIX A – KEY EMERGENCY CONTACTS .................................. 41 APPENDIX B – THAMES BREACH FLOODING MAPS ......................... 43 APPENDIX C – MAPS OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE SITES AT RISK
FROM THAMES BREACH FLOODING ......................................... 48
APPENDIX D - VULNERABLE PEOPLE, VULNERABLE FACILITIES AND VULNERABLE KEY INFRASTRUCTURE ............................. 49
APPENDIX E – ROADS AT RISK FROM THAMES BREACH FLOODING ....................................................................................................... 51
APPENDIX F – Public Advice and Guidance .......................................... 52 APPENDIX G Sandbag Policy ................................................................ 53
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 1 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach INTRODUCTION
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 5 of 54
1. INTRODUCTION
Due to the risk of flooding from the River Thames and the surface water
flooding events throughout the UK in 2007 it was agreed that a multi-agency
flood plan (MAFP) would be produced by each Local Authority in order to
tackle the specific and bespoke impacts and actions required in a response to
a flood incident. This document outlines the multi-agency response to a
severe Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding incident in the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea. Below are a list of considerations and guidance to
the use of this document:
Responding agencies within the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea have their own generic and / or specific organisational plans.
Multi-agency training and exercising is undertaken, but at present multi-
agency plans are primarily developed from a London-wide perspective
including the LESLP (London Emergency Services Liaison Panel) Major
Incident Procedure Manual and the London Strategic Flood Plan.
There are two types of flooding that could affect the borough; Surface
Water Flooding and a Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding incident. This
document only considers a major Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding
incident within the Borough. For Guidelines of a multi-agency response to
an incident of a Surface Water Flooding please refer to “Kensington and
Chelsea Multi Agency Flood Plan: Surface Water Flood Plan”.
This plan does not include emergency contact numbers and activation
arrangements which responding organisations already maintain.
This plan covers the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea‟s multi-
agency response; however floods will not have regard for political and
administrative boundaries. As such this plan must be shared and liaison
arrangements made with other neighbouring boroughs and agencies.
Detailed information on the flood risks within Kensington and Chelsea can
be found in Section 4 of this plan.
This plan will be reviewed and amended on a yearly basis. However, if
any new risks are identified or lessons learned the review may take place
at an earlier stage as is deemed necessary. All responders must be
notified if any amendments occur.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 2 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 6 of 54
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF PLAN
2.1 Aims
The aim of this MAFP is to provide a co-ordinated multi-agency response
framework to mitigate the impact of a large scale Thames Breach/Overtopping
flooding incident occurring in Kensington and Chelsea. It provides guidance
on a multi-agency response to deliver the following objectives:
2.2 Objectives
To increase awareness and preparedness of communities at risk from
flooding through the provision of advice and information;
Manage the wider impact of flooding events in the borough to reduce
disruption to the communities, utilities and environment;
Manage precautionary actions to preserve life for the highest-impact flood
risks;
To prioritise the identification of and required responses to protect the
vulnerable within the community;
To support the Environment Agency in the provision of warnings to
communities at flood risk;
Provide accurate and timely information to the public and local business on
flood response;
Lead recovery activity to support the recovery of communities and
business; and
Maintain critical services within each organisation as part of business
continuity arrangements.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 2 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 7 of 54
2.3 Overview of Flooding in the Borough
The two types of flooding which pose a significant risk to the borough of
Kensington and Chelsea Surface Water Flooding or a Thames
Breach/Overtopping flood. This plan will only focus on the response to a a
Thames Breach/Overtopping incident within The Royal Borough of Kensington
and Chelsea. However for reference all types of flooding that could affect the
borough have been described in the following:
Significant Risks
Thames Breach
Flooding
A breach in the flood defences could result in significant
flooding to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The extent of which would be dependent on the location,
size and nature of the breach and height of the tide and
river levels. Map (1) demonstrates the risk of flooding if a
breach of the River Thames were to occur. The predicted
extent of tidal flooding due to a breach of the defences
has been mapped with colour coding to identify areas at
risk of inundation in relation to depth, time and velocity
from breach occurring to inundation. Four key breach
points were determined by the Environment Agency and
can be demonstrated in Map (12).
Low Risks
Tidal Flooding
The risk of tidal flooding in the south of the borough is
from the River Thames due to increasing tide levels from
geological causes, global warming and rising sea levels.
A tidal surge occurs when a trough of low pressure moves
across the Atlantic towards the British Isles, the sea
beneath it rises above the normal level creating a hump of
water which moves with the depression. A surge occurs
when the mass of water reaches a shallow part of the
North Sea. The height of the surge can be further
increased by strong northerly winds. If a high surge
coincides with a high „spring tide‟ entering the Thames
estuary there could be a real flood danger. However the
Community Risk Register for Central London indicates the
risk from tidal flooding as high. However, the defence
given by the Thames Barrier significantly reduces this risk
level.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 2 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 8 of 54
2.4 Planning Assumptions
It is important to be clear about planning assumptions that are being used by
everybody to ensure consistency in approach. The definitions of such
assumptions are listed below:
Tidal Flood Warning: Assume approximately 2-12 hours warning of flooding.
This does not take account of breaches in existing defences where there is
likely to be no warning. Assume approximately 6 hours warning for
overtopping of tidal defences.
Breaches: Can be categorised as “immediate impact”. Breaches will lead to
a Severe Flood Warning and have the potential to constitute a Major Incident.
Water Rescue: Assumes the use of only emergency services boats
helicopters and high clearance vehicles (Not self-presenting voluntary
operators whose standard of training is unknown.).
Infrastructure: This plan does not take into account damage or failure of
power stations, road and rail links specifically, but references are made to
traffic management and evacuation procedures.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 3 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach OWNERSHIP AND AUDIENCE
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 9 of 54
3. OWNERSHIP AND AUDIENCE
The Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum will be responsible
for updating and maintaining the Multi-Agency Flood Plan. The plan will be
updated and reviewed on an annual basis. However, if an incident occurs,
lessons and risks identified or organisational restructure occur, the plan could
potentially be reviewed at an earlier date. Any updates and amendments to
the plan must be communicated to all responders.
The intended audience for this plan is all Category 1 and 2 responders under
the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and Key Voluntary response organisations.
The list below provides a comprehensive overview of the organisations
included in these categories but is not an exhaustive list:
Category 1 Responders:
The Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea
Environment Agency
London Metropolitan Police
London Fire Service
NHS Kensington and Chelsea
London Ambulance Service
NHS Acute Trusts
- The Royal Marsden
Health Protection Agency
Kensington and Chelsea
Primary Care Trust
Category 2 Responders:
EDF Energy
Thames Water
Transport Operators
National Grid
Health and Safety Executive
Strategic Health Authority
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 4 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THE RISK OF FLOODING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 10 of 54
4. THE RISK OF FLOODING
4.1 Historical context
Recorded flooding in London dates as far back as 1236. More recently
however there have been serious incidents such as the Central London
flooding in 1928 and the flooding of the Thames estuary in 1953 in which over
300 people died. This incident lead to the construction of the Thames Barrier
which was opened in 1984 and has significantly reduced the risk of the
Thames flooding.
4.2 Methodology
The Thames Breach/Overtopping Maps in Annex B of this document were
provided by the Environment Agency. The Methodology for producing the
maps can be found in the Environment Agency‟s report - TH644 - Thames
Tidal Flood Map, Improvements Modelling, Phase 2 – Final Report, March
2006. The report is referenced in Section 13 of this plan but additionally The
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Contingency Planning Unit hold a
copy of this report as do the Environment Agency.
4.4 Overview of Thames Breach/Overtopping Flood Risk in the
Area
There is a significant risk of inundation across the River Bank of the Thames if
a breach of the flood defences was to occur. The scale of the impact can be
seen on the maps in APPENDIX B. There is very little critical infrastructure
located within the flood zone along the bank of the River Thames. However,
the risk to residents and commercial businesses is still quite high. There is
also a risk of breach flooding affecting the Western boundary of the borough
where the underground waterway Counters Creek runs. This would pose a
significant flood risk to Kensington Olympia Train and Underground station.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 4 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THE RISK OF FLOODING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 11 of 54
4.5 Communities at Risk
The maps in APPENDIX B and the tables in APPENDIX D and APPENDIX E
outline the Communities in the Borough which are at the highest level of risk
from a Thames Breach flooding incident. The lists were derived from the flood
map data provided by the Environment Agency.
The risk of flooding due to a breach in defences is very low as indicated by the
London Resilience Community Risk Register. However for the purposes of
this contingency plan key sites at risk have been identified and their contact
details and susceptibility have been included in APPENDIX D. Roads and
communities who would be in the flood zone have also been identified in
Appendix E.
4.6 Key Infrastructure at Risk
There are a number of key Infrastructure points which are at risk from flooding
in the area. APPENDIX D identifies key sites and infrastructure in the Royal
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which are at risk Thames
Water/Overtopping flooding based on the data provided by the Environment
Agency. For the purpose of this report the following lists outlines what is
considered key infrastructure for this report and should be prioritised in the
case of a Thames Water/Overtopping flooding event. This is a thorough but
not an exhaustive list.
Police Stations
Fire Stations
Hospitals / A & E‟s
Local Authority Offices / Depots
Schools
Transport Links
Sewage Treatment plants
Electrical sub-stations;
Telephone exchanges;
From the results it can be concluded that there are no police or fire stations
within the Thames Breach flood zone. There are also no Hospitals or major
transport links.
However as the maps in ANNEX D show there are two local authority
premises and two schools within the flood zone that need to be prioritised if an
incident arises. Additionally there are also two electrical substations and a
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 4 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THE RISK OF FLOODING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 12 of 54
sewage pumping station that need to be considered as a high priority if a
breach has or is about to occur.
4.7 Flood Warning Service
The Environment Agency‟s flood warning service covers all those in the
Thames flood zone shown in Map (1). Those not in the Thames flood zone
have a very low risk of suffering from flooding if a Thames
Breach/Overtopping incident were to occur. Following are Community Flood
Risk Summary sheets for communities provided with a flood warning service
and those that are not.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 4 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THE RISK OF FLOODING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 13 of 54
Community Flood Risk Summary Sheet A – For a Community provided
with a flood warning Service:
Description:
No. of people/properties at
risk
No. of vulnerable people at
risk
Key Vulnerable Infrastructure
No. of properties registered
to flood warning service
Return Period Lead Time
Flooding History (if known)
Flood Defences/Alleviation Measures (if any)
Flood Warning Status
Flood Warning Status Area(s) at risk (Refer to Map)
Flood Watch
Flood Warning
Severe Flood Warning
Risk Assessment
Likelihood
Final Risk Rating:
Impact
- Health
- Social
- Economic
- Environmental
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 4 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THE RISK OF FLOODING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 14 of 54
Community Flood Risk Summary Sheet A – For a Community not
provided:
Description:
No. of people/properties at
risk
No. of vulnerable people
at risk
Key Vulnerable
Infrastructure
Flooding History (if known)
Flood Defences/Alleviation Measures (if any)
Risk Assessment
Likelihood
Final Risk Rating:
Impact
- Health
- Social
- Economic
- Environmental
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 5n 5 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach RELATED AND
INTERDEPENDENT PLANS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 15 of 54
5. RELATED AND INTERDEPENDENT PLANS
The Multi-agency Flood Plan for the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea has a number of interrelating plans which are relevant to a serious
flooding incident within the boroughs boundaries. The different plans cover
different aspects of emergency response and avoid unnecessary duplications.
The diagram below outlines how this Multi-Agency Flood Plan for Kensington
and Chelsea is interdependent and related to other plans and protocols within
the Borough.
5.1 Regional and National Interrelated Plans
Additionally there are a number of Regional (London) specific and National
plans which will be referred to in the case of a flooding incident in The Royal
Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and will support this document.
Figure (1) demonstrates how regional and national plans can be fitted
together.
Title Owned By
London Flood Response Strategic Plan London Resilience
London Mass Evacuation Plan London Resilience
Local Flood Warning Plan for London Environment Agency
London Strategic Emergency Plan and Associated Specific
Plans
LRRF
LESLP Major Incidents Procedures Manual LESLP Panel
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 5n 5 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach RELATED AND
INTERDEPENDENT PLANS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 16 of 54
Figure (1) Fitting Emergency Plans Together:
Regional Strategic
Framework
Area Specific
Emergency Plans
Thematic Plans
guidance and
arrangements
Specific
Organisational
Plans
Other plans
London Flood
Response
Strategic Plan
LLAG& LLACC
Handbooks
London Strategic
Emergency Plan
LESLP
Emergency
Procedure Manual
Local Flood
Warning Plan for
Greater London
London Flood
Response
Strategic Plan
Multi Agency
Flood Plan
Met Office Severe
Weather Warnings
Local Authority
Plans
PCT Plans:
Estates Flood
Plan, Severe
Weather
Utility Company
Plans
Emergency
Services Plan
Communications
PlanHealth and Safety
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 6n 5 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach COMMUNICATION PLAN
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 17 of 54
6. COMMUNICATION PLAN
Communication with will be vital in the response to any major flooding event.
6.1 Internal Escalation Procedures
Contact details of key personnel are not held within this plan. If flood warnings given by the Environment Agency are relevant to this borough the emergency planning and resilience team or LALO in conjunction with the communications team will contact the Chief Executive, Directors, relevant Councillors, and any other internal staff as necessary.
6.2 Members
It is essential that in the build up to, during and after a flooding event that Council Members are informed. As a minimum the Leader and appropriate executive members should be provided with a situation report. Where possible ward councillors should be informed and provided with key information. In time all Councillors should be informed. This will be managed as directed in the emergency handbook through the BECC in conjunction with the communications team.
6.3 Organisational Staff
Employees must be kept up-to-date with the latest information. Each agency has their own mechanisms for informing staff as required which is detailed in separate agency emergency plans.
6.4 Cross Boundary Mutual Aid
In the event that mutual aid is required to neighbouring boroughs this will be managed internally be each responding agency. Being separate organisations Local Authorities have a mutual aid agreement where mutual aid would be requested and provided through the LALO or BECC. Where an incident has resulted in the BECC being activated the communications team will work with partner Local Authorities and agencies, in particular the Metropolitan Police, to deliver a clear and unified multi-agency statement and regular follow ups including well into the recovery phase. If a pan-London incident has been declared, all local authorities will activate their BECC in response or to provide mutual aid, communications will be managed through this process.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 6 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach COMMUNICATION PLAN
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 18 of 54
6.5 Media
The local Authority and Police Communications and Media Teams need to sunsure there is a single message in relation to the response. Where other agencies are involved, their views on the media strategy will need to be considered. The Local Authority will take the lead media role in relation to Recovery. Communication between partner agencies will take place at
Silver meetings
Gold meetings
Between agency press teams
6.6 General Public
Information leaflets can be found on the Environment Agency website and in Appendix F of this document which give guidance on before during and after flooding. The Environment Agency states that anyone who is at risk of flooding is advised to develop a flood plan and make sure everyone is aware of what to do should the need arise to use it. The Council, with consultation with the Metropolitan Police will provide up to date and consistent information for the public through the media. The Council website will be important for these messages as well as the setting up of an information line via the Contact Centre.
6.7 Public Helpline
The Environment Agency has a 24hour telephone information service called Floodline. Contact details of this service can be found in the Environment Agency leaflets in Appendix F. Customers trying to contact the council should call the council contact centre number. In the event of significant flooding the council may establish a dedicated flood line number for the public.
6.8 Vulnerable People
More information on vulnerable persons can be found in Section 8. It will be the Emergency Services and emergency controllers decision as to the support to be given to these persons on a priority basis.
6.9 Schools
All schools in the floodplain should be signed up to the Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct. All decisions made by the Head Teachers must be recorded and coordinated by Family and Children‟s Services. It is imperative
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 6 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach COMMUNICATION PLAN
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 19 of 54
Door Knocking
If: D = number of doors to knock on
T= time spent at each door in minutes S= number of staff available
((D x T) / (S / 2)) / 60 = hours needed to knock on all
doors EXCLUDING time to collate staff, time to reach area,
breaks, time to move between houses/roads etc.
[Note: staff numbers are divided by 2 because of safe working policy – if this is not relevant take this division
out]
Example:
D= 14,974 doors T= 7 mins/door S= 239
((14,974 x 7) / (239 / 2)) / 60 = ((104,818) / (119.5)) / 60 =
(104,818 / 119) / 60 = [rounded down to 119 because of whole people]
880.82352 / 60 = 14.68 hours
Figure 2
that Family and Children‟s Services keep the BECC updated as to whether schools are evacuated, open or closed. The Council‟s BECC and LALO are on hand to assist with evacuation of any schools affected by flooding or those where pupils are retained for any length of time.
6.10 Faith/Minority Groups
Where necessary faith groups and minority groups may be asked to assist with communications to their communities. This will enable appropriate religious and ethnic community leaders to ensure warning and information messages are passed to the community and to ensure customs and beliefs are respected.
6.11 Door Knocking
As can be seen from figure 2, literal door knocking may not be successful due to constraints on time and staff. Therefore we cannot confirm that The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council will always knock on doors in the flood zone areas. We may knock on one door of a road and ask those persons to inform the rest of their street. We may prioritise vulnerable persons (if applicable) in a flood zone area. We suggest that those people in flood zones sign up to the Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct, as they will then be informed of any potential threats. The only time door knocking will be used is to communicate with vulnerable people in circumstances of a public network failure.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 7 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach PLAN ACTIVATION
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 20 of 54
7. PLAN ACTIVATION
7.1 Trigger Points for Thames Breach Flooding Plan Activation
No multi-agency action will be taken on receipt of a Flood Watch. However on
receipt of a Flood Warning or Severe Flood Warning communications will be
undertaken internally and to external partners where identified.
Similarly on receipt of national severe weather warning of extreme rainfall key
partners will also be notified.
The flood plan will require activation if:
The Environment Agency issue a severe flood warning;
There is an indication that flooding is about to, or is occurring; which may
pose a significant risk to life, property and or infrastructure;
Responding organisations are unable to cope with the demand placed
upon them to respond to a flooding incident;
Declaration of a major incident by the emergency services as a result of
flooding.
Following a severe weather warning from the Met Office where the rainfall
prediction indicates a high probability that a Thames Breach/Overtopping
incident may occur within the borough.
Figure (4) demonstrates the activation process of the Multi Agency Flood Plan
arising from particular triggers and thresholds in a Thames Breach Flooding
scenario.
7.2 Rationale
Flood Watch: No multi-agency action would be taken on receipt or a flood
watch. The Environment Agency has confirmed that no flood watch would be
distributed in the Kensington and Chelsea area due to the nature of the flood
defences;
Flood Warning: On receipt of a flood warning from the Environment Agency,
communications will be undertaken internally.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 7 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach PLAN ACTIVATION
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 21 of 54
Severe Flood Warning: Upon receipt of a Severe Flood Warning from the
Environment Agency the Contingency Planning unit will activate the multi-
agency flood plan via normal communications, to all partners / stakeholders
and pre identified internal departments, to ensure mitigating actions can be
put in place immediately.
Figure (4) Thames Breach/ Overtopping Activation Flow Chart for The
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Duty Activation Officer
activates BECC liaises with
responding agencies and
informs Thames Barrier
LALO attends scene
EA Flood Warning
Risk of Overtopping
From Thames or
Notification of Breach
Incident
LALO at scene Assesses
Incident and notifies BECC
LALO Informs BECC of
Major flooding, severe
impact to borough
Level 3 response
Activate Multi Agency
Flood Plan
BECC Informs other Cat 1
responders and Cat 2 if
Required by LALO
Other agencies set up their own
command and control
arrangements and liase with
silver officer at scene
Communications Team will
send out message on
website and KC net and
Develop media strategy
With other agencies
Silver coordination team
set up at incident, LALO
acts as Council Silver
Coordinator
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 7 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach PLAN ACTIVATION
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 22 of 54
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 23 of 54
8. ACTION, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The different agencies responding to a Thames Breach/Overtopping flood
event will carry out their duties as stated in the LESLP Procedure Manual
(with focus on Annex E of said document), the London Strategic Flood Plan
and will also carry out any borough and site specific arrangements as
appropriate. The following pages state the different responding agencies
responsibilities with regards to a Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding event
only.
8.1 Activation and Response
Response to a Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding incident will require a
multi-agency approach, and liaison with all blue light responders, the
environment agency and other stakeholders as required is essential. Upon
activation of the plan all relevant organisations should be notified and meet at
a prearranged safe rendezvous point (RVP) to establish the multi-agency
coordinating group.
Should a major incident be declared the Police will chair any silver and gold
meeting in response to a flooding incident with input from all responding
agencies. If search and rescue activities are being undertaken the chair will
stay with the Police, but the LFB will advise and oversee search and rescue
actions.
8.2 Escalation of Response
A major incident will be declared if the incident requires implementation of
special arrangements by one or more of the emergency services and will
generally include the involvement, either directly or indirectly, of large
numbers of people. For example:
Rescue and transportation of a large number of casualties
Large-scale combined resources of Police, LFB and LAS
Mobilisation and organisation of the emergency services and support
services
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 24 of 54
If a Major Incident is declared a Silver Coordinating Group will be established,
with Borough Gold being established as required. Representatives from the
following organisations should be contacted and attend silver meetings:
Metropolitan Police
London Fire Brigade
London Ambulance Service
The Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea
Other specialist advisors e.g.:
PCT
EA
Thames Water
Red Cross etc.
8.3 Further Escalation
A larger incident may involve the activation of London‟s Strategic
Coordination Group (SCG) which would have Police lead as Gold during the
response phase and would include activation of the London Strategic Flood
Response Plan.
In these circumstances our primary objective would be to inform the LLACC
that we have activated our Borough Emergency Control Centre. In addition to
this, where possible, we would inform the LRT and the LFB-EP of this
activation in terms of a flooding incident. Figure 5 demonstrates the
escalation process of the incident response once the MAFP has been
activated.
Figure (5) outlines the Escalation Process once the MAFP has been activated.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 9 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 25 of 54
Figure (5) Escalation Process
MAFP has been Activated
Major Incident has been declared
Responding Agencies require mutual aid as necessary
Keep the LFB-EP and LRT Duty Manager informed
Other responders are also affected and not able to supply
mutual aid
Activation of the London plan should be considered by LRT
8.4 Health and Safety Considerations
Health and safety considerations and information for responders are held by
each of the responding agencies. These considerations are not in this plan;
responders needing more information should speak to their own agency.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 26 of 54
8.5 Flood Specific Responders Actions, Roles and
Responsibilities
Each of the coordinating agencies has provided the MAFP plan with their
organisations‟ roles and responsibilities during a Thames Breach Flooding
incident in Kensington and Chelsea. The table has been compiled from the
London Strategic Flood Plan (Section 8) and additional borough specific roles
have been added where appropriate. For general roles and responsibilities of
responding agencies in an emergency that is not just flood specific please
London Emergency Services Liaison Panel‟s Major Incident Procedures
Manual (V.7, 2007). References for both of these external documents can be
found in Section 13. of this document.
A (*) in the table denotes where the roles and responsibilities have been taken from the London Strategic Flood Plan.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 27 of 54
Reco
very
Th
e R
oyal B
oro
ugh w
ill
act as le
ad r
esponder
durin
g t
he r
ecovery
phase.
Th
is w
ill in
clu
de c
olle
ctio
n
of
flo
od d
am
aged g
oods
from
pro
pert
ies. H
ousin
g
issues w
ill b
e h
andle
d
thro
ugh t
he r
ele
vant
agencie
s in
clu
din
g t
he
Te
nant
Ma
nagem
ent
Org
anis
atio
n (
TM
O).
Utilit
ies w
ill lia
ise w
ith
hig
hw
ays o
n a
ny
infr
astr
uctu
re im
pacts
inclu
din
g r
epairs. W
ill
liais
e w
ith E
A in t
he e
vent
of
any b
reach r
epairs.
Recovery
cell
built
in
to
com
ma
nd a
nd c
ontr
ol
pro
tocols
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
Ma
jor
incid
ent
decla
ratio
n t
o b
e
ma
de b
y b
lue lig
ht
or
local auth
ority
pers
onnel.
Ma
jor
incid
ent
pro
cedure
–C
om
mand
and c
ontr
ol-pro
vis
ion o
f gold
co-
ord
inatio
n c
hair a
nd locatio
n
Consid
era
tio
n a
s to
Casualty b
ure
au
etc
Use o
f gold
me
dia
cell.
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(h
igh
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Th
e E
A o
r
Em
erg
ency S
erv
ices
will
notify
the
Contin
gency P
lannin
g
Unit (
CP
U).
Th
e C
PU
will
Activate
the
MA
FP
at
level 3
boro
ugh r
esponse
and o
pen t
he
Boro
ugh E
me
rgency
Contr
ol C
entr
e
(BE
CC
) w
hic
h w
ill
initia
lly lia
ise w
ith
em
erg
ency s
erv
ices.
Local A
uth
ority
Lia
ison O
ffic
er
(LA
LO
) w
ill a
ttend
scene a
nd a
ssess
impact
dam
age.
LA
LO
will
call
forw
ard
any r
esourc
es
required f
rom
the
council.
Generic L
ES
LP
response
Usin
g o
bje
ctives a
s p
er
ma
jor
incid
ent
pro
cedure
specific
ally
savin
g o
f lif
e
Evacuatio
n/in
vacuatio
n
Cord
onin
g
Tra
ffic
contr
ol and
div
ers
ion
Warn
ing a
nd in
form
ing
Security
of scene
- nb
iconic
sites
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Th
e E
A o
r E
me
rgency
Serv
ices w
ill n
otify
the
Contin
gency P
lannin
g
Unit (
CP
U).
Th
e C
PU
will
A
ctivate
the M
AF
P a
t le
vel
2 b
oro
ugh r
esponse if
required a
nd lia
ise w
ith
em
erg
ency s
erv
ices.
Local A
uth
ority
Lia
ison
Off
icer
(LA
LO
) w
ill a
ttend
scene a
nd a
ssess im
pact
dam
age.
LA
LO
will
call
forw
ard
any r
esourc
es
required f
rom
the c
ouncil.
Att
endance a
nd
assessm
ent
at scene
Assis
t oth
er
agencie
s b
y c
o-
ord
inatio
n o
f in
cid
ent,
Especia
lly c
ord
on c
ontr
ol
Tra
ffic
contr
ol and
div
ers
ion
Evacuatio
n/in
vacuatio
n a
s
per
evalu
atio
n.
Assis
t E
A w
here
necessary
with w
arn
ing a
nd info
rmin
g
arr
angem
ents
.
Security
of pro
pert
y
Pre
pla
nn
ing
Identify
ing e
xte
nt
of
imp
act
of
flo
odin
g f
rom
the T
ham
es to the
boro
ugh a
nd a
reas m
ost at risk.
Pro
ducin
g a
Mu
lti A
gency F
lood
Pla
n (
MA
FP
) w
ith k
ey p
art
ners
.
Legal re
sponsib
ilities a
s p
er
civ
il
contin
gencie
s a
ct.
Specific
ally
:-M
ain
tain
busin
ess
contin
uity a
ware
ness.
Lia
ison w
ith e
nvironm
ent
agency
at
local and p
an
- London le
vel on
risk a
ssessm
ent/ c
urr
ent
pla
nnin
g
requirem
ents
.
Sta
ff tra
inin
g a
nd a
ware
ness.
Te
stin
g a
nd e
xerc
isin
g o
f m
ajo
r
incid
ent pro
cedure
s
Org
an
isati
on
Th
e R
oy
al B
oro
ug
h o
f
Ken
sin
gto
n a
nd
Ch
els
ea
Me
tro
po
lita
n P
oli
ce S
erv
ice
*
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 28 of 54
Reco
very
Support
LA
s a
nd c
om
munity
as r
esourc
es a
llow
;
Repair a
ny d
am
aged
defe
nces.
Work
with c
olle
ague a
nd
com
ple
te o
wn a
nd m
ulti
agency d
ebriefs
.
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
Availa
ble
via
the s
erv
ices o
wn
inte
rnet
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(hig
h
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
as for
min
or
flo
od]
Act
accord
ing
to t
he p
lan
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Issue w
arn
ings;
Mo
nitor
catc
hm
ent;
Opera
te d
efe
nces;
Support
LA
s a
nd
em
erg
ency s
erv
ices
Act
accord
ing t
o the p
lan
Pre
pla
nn
ing
Pre
pare
and m
ain
tain
London L
ocal
Flo
od W
arn
ing P
lan;
Advis
e o
n d
evelo
pm
ent
pro
posals
;
Update
flo
od r
isk m
aps; S
upport
LR
F
flo
od r
isk a
ssessm
ents
;
Ma
inta
in w
ate
rcours
e c
apacity;
Ma
inta
in flo
od
ma
nagem
ent str
uctu
res
Me
t off
ice w
eath
er
warn
ing s
yste
m in
pla
ce.
Ma
jor
incid
ent
pla
n in
pla
ce.
Busin
ess c
ontin
uity p
lan in p
lace.
On c
all
offic
er
cadre
in
pla
ce.
Pager
/ S
MS
syste
m in
pla
ce.
Airw
ave r
adio
ma
jor
incid
ent
deplo
ym
ent
in p
lace.
Health o
n c
all
cadre
rota
up to d
ate
.
HP
A o
n c
all
cadre
rota
up t
o d
ate
.
LA
S fall
back c
ontr
ol fa
cili
ty.
Identifie
d L
AS
pre
mis
es a
t risk o
f flo
odin
g
and c
onsid
er
impact on s
erv
ice d
eliv
ery
EA
ma
ppin
g info
rma
tio
n r
eceiv
ed b
y
em
erg
ency p
lannin
g u
nit f
or
dis
trib
utio
n
Org
an
isati
on
En
vir
on
men
t A
ge
ncy
*
Lo
nd
on
Fir
e B
rig
ad
e
Lo
nd
on
Am
bu
lan
ce S
erv
ice
*
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 29 of 54
Reco
very
Th
e B
TP
will
consid
er
a
repre
senta
tive a
t any
recovery
ma
nagem
ent cell.
Th
e B
TP
will
work
with t
he
railw
ay in
dustr
y to a
ssis
t
in t
he im
ple
me
nta
tio
n o
f re
covery
pla
ns.
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
Th
e B
TP
in
London
will
work
clo
sely
with t
he r
ailw
ay in
dustr
y,
guard
ian
polic
e forc
es a
nd if
necessary
the
mili
tary
whils
t m
onitorin
g the
situatio
n r
eport
s p
rovid
ed b
y t
he
environm
ent agency.
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(h
igh
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
me
tropolit
an p
olic
e t
o
dete
rmin
e a
jo
int
response u
nder
the
Benbow
schem
e.
Pro
vid
e s
enio
r off
icers
in
respect of any c
om
mand
and c
ontr
ol re
quirem
ent
(gold
co-o
rdin
atio
n
gro
up)
If n
ecessary
pro
vid
e s
taff
for
a g
old
“tr
ansport
” or
“me
dia
” cell.
Assessm
ent
of th
e
incid
ent to
dete
rmin
e t
he
risk t
o life a
nd p
ropert
y.
Assis
t w
ith t
he
evacuatio
n o
f pre
mis
es if
necessary
payin
g
part
icula
r att
entio
n t
o
vuln
era
ble
people
.
Assis
tin
g t
o s
ecure
pre
mis
es t
o p
revent
dam
age a
nd o
r th
eft.
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Lia
ison w
ith the
metr
opolit
an
polic
e to d
ete
rmin
e a
jo
int
response u
nder
the
Benbow
schem
e.
Assessm
ent
of th
e incid
ent to
dete
rmin
e t
he r
isk t
o life a
nd
pro
pert
y.
Assis
t w
ith t
he e
vacuatio
n o
f
pre
mis
es if
necessary
payin
g
part
icula
r att
entio
n t
o
vuln
era
ble
people
.
Assis
tin
g t
o s
ecure
pre
mis
es
to p
revent dam
age a
nd o
r
theft.
Pre
pla
nn
ing
Identify
are
as p
olic
ed b
y the
BT
P
whic
h a
re s
usceptib
le to
flo
odin
g.
Th
is in
clu
des r
ailw
ay p
ropert
y a
nd
the B
TP
esta
te.
It s
hould
be n
ote
d t
hat flo
odin
g
ma
y a
ffect th
e B
TP
abili
ty t
o
respond t
o lo
catio
ns w
hic
h a
re n
ot
flo
oded.
Lia
ison w
ith the e
nvironm
ent
agency a
nd r
ailw
ay p
art
ners
to
ensure
that th
e n
ecessary
warn
ings a
re d
issem
inate
d to
railw
ay a
nd p
olic
e s
taff.
Lia
ison w
ith the m
etr
opolit
an
polic
e
regard
ing a
jo
int
polic
e r
esponse
usin
g L
ES
LP
guid
elin
es.
Sta
ff tra
inin
g a
nd a
ware
ness
testin
g a
nd e
xerc
isin
g m
ajo
r
incid
ent pro
cedure
s.
Org
an
isati
on
Ken
sin
gto
n a
nd
Ch
els
ea
Pri
mary
Care
Tru
st
Bri
tish
Tra
ns
po
rt P
oli
ce
*
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 30 of 54
Reco
very
Th
e M
et O
ffic
e P
ublic
Weath
er
Serv
ice A
dvis
or
can p
rovid
e w
eath
er
info
rma
tio
n t
o t
he B
EC
C
durin
g t
he r
ecovery
phase
as r
equired.
n/a
Repair a
nd m
ain
tenance o
f
navig
atio
n a
ids a
nd
oth
er
river
work
s
Re-e
sta
blis
h r
outin
e
navig
atio
n s
afe
ty r
egim
e
Pro
vid
e a
ppro
pria
te
info
rma
tio
n t
o r
iver
users
via
UH
F r
adio
.
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
Th
e M
et O
ffic
e P
ublic
Weath
er
Serv
ice A
dvis
or
can p
rovid
e
weath
er
info
rma
tio
n t
o t
he B
EC
C
durin
g t
he incid
ent as r
equired.
n/a
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(h
igh
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
n/a
n/a
Ma
inta
in s
afe
ty o
f
navig
atio
n a
t all
tim
es
Pro
mu
lgatio
n o
f
info
rma
tio
n o
n m
arin
e
vhf channels
.
Esta
blis
h s
pecific
navig
atio
n c
ontr
ols
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
n/a
n/a
Info
rma
tio
n f
or
river
users
in
are
a v
ia U
VF
radio
.
Imp
ose locatio
n-s
pecific
navig
atio
n c
ontr
ol schem
es
where
required.
Pro
vid
e v
essels
for
mo
vem
ent
of
people
(“re
scue”
rath
er
than
“m
ass
evacuatio
n”)
Pre
pla
nn
ing
Th
e M
et O
ffic
e d
oes n
ot have a
boro
ugh s
pecific
pla
n b
ut,
thro
ugh t
he N
atio
nal S
evere
Weath
er
Warn
ing S
erv
ice a
nd
the E
xtr
em
e R
ain
fall
Ale
rts
aim
s t
o p
rovid
e s
om
e a
dvance
warn
ing o
f ra
infa
ll w
hic
h m
ay
lead t
o flo
odin
g. A
lso t
he
Public
Weath
er
Serv
ice A
dvis
or
can p
rovid
e a
dditio
nal w
eath
er
advic
e t
o t
he B
EC
C le
adin
g u
p
any p
ote
ntia
l in
cid
ent.
ED
F E
nerg
y d
oes n
ot
have
Boro
ugh s
pecific
flo
od p
lans.
Ple
ase r
efe
r to
the L
ondon F
lood
Pla
n for
deta
ils o
f E
DF
Energ
y‟s
em
erg
ency p
lannin
g a
rrangem
ents
for
flo
odin
g in
cid
ents
acro
ss
London
Ma
inta
in flo
od r
isk a
ware
ness for
opera
tio
nal sta
ff
Lia
ison w
ith r
esponse
org
anis
atio
ns t
o e
nsure
the
role
of
port
auth
ority
is u
nders
tood.
Defin
ed c
om
munic
atio
n s
trate
gy
for
river
users
.
Org
an
isati
on
Me
t O
ffic
e
ED
F E
ne
rgy
E P
ort
of
Lo
nd
on
Au
tho
rity
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 31 of 54
Reco
very
n/a
n
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
n/a
n/a
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(h
igh
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
n/a
n/a
Activate
ste
ward
s/
gold
com
ma
nd
Co-o
pera
te w
ith „b
lue
lights
‟ to
co
-ord
inate
responses
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
n/a
n/a
Activate
ste
ward
s/ silv
er
com
ma
nd
Co-o
rdin
ate
with „b
lue
lights
‟ to
co
-ord
inate
responses
Pre
pla
nn
ing
RN
LI
does n
ot
have b
oro
ugh
specific
flo
od p
lans. P
lease
refe
r to
the L
ES
LP
Ma
nual fo
r
info
rma
tio
n o
n t
heir r
ole
s a
nd
responsib
ilities.
Pre
-pla
nnin
g w
ith L
A‟s
on
rups,
transport
route
s e
tc.
Lin
k w
ith L
A‟s
/TfL
com
mu
nic
atio
ns
str
ate
gy
Pre
-arr
anged h
elp
line f
or
sta
ff
Revie
w o
f key p
rem
ises in
flo
od
pla
in
LT
CC
up t
o d
ate
pla
ns a
nd
conta
cts
etc
Lia
ise w
ith L
A‟s
/ T
fL
com
mu
nic
atio
ns s
trate
gy
Org
an
isati
on
Ro
yal
Nati
on
al L
ifeb
oa
t
Ins
titu
te
Th
am
es W
ate
r
Tra
ns
po
rt f
or
Lo
nd
on
*
Red C
ross
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 32 of 54
Reco
very
Once s
afe
actio
n m
ay
be t
aken t
o r
em
ove
wate
r. B
uild
ing
clo
sed t
o B
T t
eam
s.
Wate
r te
ste
d f
or
conta
min
ate
s.
Rem
edia
l actio
n
taken if
conta
min
ate
s
found.
Build
ing is d
rie
d o
ut.
Str
uctu
ral surv
ey if
required.
Equip
me
nt te
ste
d
Build
ing r
e o
pened.
Ongoin
g r
evie
w o
f
impact
on n
etw
ork
s
and c
usto
me
r serv
ice
– r
egula
r re
port
s.
Incid
ent m
anagem
ent
level
reduced a
nd
tim
escale
for
Busin
ess A
s U
sual
identifie
d
Ongoin
g r
isk
assessm
ent
Em
erg
en
cy R
esp
on
se
No
tes
Ris
k a
ssessm
ent
vital fo
r
People
, opera
tio
ns a
nd
build
ings Info
rmatio
n fro
Govern
me
nt ital fr
om
whic
h
to b
ase r
isk a
ssessm
ent
Safe
ty o
f B
T p
eople
is
para
mo
unt
and
may
pre
clu
ded B
T t
eam
s
att
endin
g o
n s
ite.
Custo
me
r serv
ice
prio
ritisatio
n a
s im
port
ant part
of
the p
rocess t
o e
nsure
ongoin
g c
om
mu
nic
atio
ns.
All
to b
e m
anaged thro
ugh
activate
d I
ncid
ent
ma
nagem
ent
response
Ma
jor
Flo
od
(h
igh
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Ma
jor
Flo
odin
g –
Wate
r
ingre
ss in
to B
T b
uild
ing
whic
h t
hre
ate
ns B
T
equip
me
nt
People
and o
pera
tio
ns a
t
risk id
entifie
d follo
win
g
risk a
ssessm
ent
Activatio
n o
f B
T G
roup
Incid
ent re
sponse
pro
cess
Co-o
pera
tio
n w
ith
em
erg
ency s
erv
ices a
nd
EA
Pro
vis
ion o
f anti-f
loodin
g
me
asure
s (
e.g
.
sandbags)
Work
forc
e t
asked t
o s
ite
if s
afe
to d
o s
o
Fo
rward
Contr
ol P
oin
t
Ma
nager
appoin
ted/
engaged L
ocal Lia
ison
Ma
nagers
work
ing w
ith
Govern
me
nt in
cid
ent
team
s f
eedin
g b
ack
to B
T o
pera
tio
nal
team
s
Min
or
Flo
od
(m
ed
ium
co
ns
eq
ue
nce)
Min
or
Flo
odin
g -
Possib
ility
of w
ate
r in
gre
ss t
o
BT
build
ing. P
eople
and o
pera
tio
ns a
t risk
identifie
d f
ollo
win
g r
isk a
ssessm
ent
Activatio
n o
f B
T G
roup
Incid
ent re
sponse
pro
cess
Co-o
pera
tio
n w
ith
em
erg
ency s
erv
ices a
nd
EA
Pro
vis
ion o
f anti-f
loodin
g m
easure
s (
e.g
.
sandbags)
Work
forc
e t
asked t
o s
ite if
safe
to d
o s
o
Com
munic
atio
ns t
o w
ork
forc
e o
n a
ctio
n t
o take.
Key p
ers
onnel id
entifie
d a
s p
art
of In
cid
ent
ma
nagem
ent
pro
cess
Custo
me
r im
pact
identifie
d a
nd m
itig
atio
n p
lan
enable
d
Local Lia
ison M
anagers
[LLM
s] and R
egio
nal
ma
nagers
[ R
Ms] w
ork
ing w
ith G
overn
me
nt
Regio
nal le
ads to
coord
inate
on t
he g
round
requirem
ents
to feed into
BT
Incid
ent
response
team
s
BT
Contr
ols
team
reschedulin
g w
ork
flo
w a
nd
prio
ritisin
g a
ll custo
me
r serv
ice
requirem
ents
BT
liv
erie
d f
leet
to b
e r
epositio
ned o
uts
ide
the d
anger
zone w
here
possib
le
Pre
pla
nn
ing
Flo
od w
arn
ing r
eceiv
ed fro
m the
Environm
ent A
gency a
nd d
istr
ibute
d
to k
ey p
layers
and o
pera
tio
nal te
am
s
in B
TW
People
and o
pera
tio
ns a
t risk
identifie
d
BT
hold
s c
opie
s o
f flo
od p
lain
info
rma
tio
n a
nd t
his
can b
e m
apped
to B
T b
uild
ings.
BT
key o
pera
tio
nal build
ings flo
od
pla
n a
ctivate
d u
pon
notificatio
n f
rom
the E
nvironm
ent A
gency
BT
critical access n
etw
ork
assets
[underg
round]
to b
e a
ffecte
d id
entify
and p
lans in
pla
ce f
or
serv
ice
repro
vis
ion in
the e
vent
of
a m
ajo
r
flo
od
BT
serv
ice c
ontr
ols
work
forc
e
dete
rmin
e o
n c
usto
me
r driven s
erv
ice
prio
ritie
s r
evie
w r
equirem
ents
for
blu
e
light serv
ice
com
munic
atio
ns
BT
thre
at A
ssessm
ent
Revie
w G
roup
[TA
RG
] in
pla
ce w
ork
ing w
ith
Govern
me
nt on incre
asin
g t
hre
at
BT
Busin
ess C
ontin
uity
Ma
nagem
ent str
uctu
re a
nd G
roup
wid
e p
rio
ritisatio
n p
ut
in p
lace w
ith
BT
to e
ngage a
ll Lin
es o
f B
usin
ess
in Im
pact
of flo
od o
n s
erv
ice
work
sta
ck s
coped t
o id
entify
impact
on w
et
join
ts
Org
an
isati
on
Bri
tish
Te
leco
m*
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 33 of 54
8.6 Environmental Impacts
In a Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding event a number of environmental
issues will occur. Each organisation involved in environmental impacts
responsibilities are listed below:
Health protection Agency
The Health protection Agency monitors floods affected communities post a
flooding incident in case a threat to human health was to arise. In the UK this
is very unlikely. However, the Health protection agency does offer practical
advice on post-flooding clean up on their website to reduce the threat to
human health through infection or injury. Please see APPENDIX G for more
information.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency offers comprehensive guidance to the public on
preparing for and recovering from a flooding including advice on health, safety
and environmental issues. For more information please APPENDIX G.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Environmental Health: will make an assessment of habitable conditions
and the safety of electrical installations. They will liaise with contractors to
clear worst of debris and to remove accumulations of foul water and
contaminated materials. Additionally Environmental health will also liaise with
the HPA regarding infection control and pest control issues.
Waste Management: The Council has a duty to continue collecting
household waste, or resume waste collection services as quickly as possible.
Flood Damage and Waste Clearance on private property are the responsibility
of the owner. The Council runs a “Too Big to Bin It” service at a charge but it
is likely this would be overwhelmed post flooding.
Animal Carcases: the Council are responsible for the disposal of animal
carcasses found on Council property;
Personal Property: The Council will facilitate recycling and waste collection
for flood damaged goods as part of the emergency response and recovery.
Silt: the Council are responsible for clearing silt on public land, but not on
private property.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 8 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ACTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 34 of 54
Contaminated Sandbags: The Council will dispose of its own contaminated sandbags, but not privately owned sandbags.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 9 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 35 of 54
9. VULNERABLE PEOPLE
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea‟s Adult Social Care
Service are the lead Department for Kensington and Chelsea welfare
issues including the maintenance of a data base of vulnerable persons.
This can be accessed electronically via Adult Social Care Services.
There are a number of agencies that retain information on potentially
vulnerable persons including: Housing and partner organisations: Health;
PCT‟s, GP‟s, Pharmacists, Acute Hospitals, Mental Health Trusts;
Independent Health Organisations; Utilities companies and Voluntary
Sector.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea‟s Adult Social Care
Services work in partnership with PCT and Housing contractor and in the
event of the MAFP being activated will be the lead department responsible
for identification of vulnerable persons within the flood risk area. If it is
necessary to share information with other responders, in relation to the
welfare of any individuals on the vulnerable person‟s data base, then this
should be authorised.
APPENDIX D includes a log sheet of all vulnerable facilities and vulnerable
key infrastructure sites that are at risk from flooding in the incident of a
Thames breach/Overtopping flood. APPENDIX C includes maps of key
infrastructure sites that are at very high risk of flooding if a breach were to
occur.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 10 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach EVACUATION AND SHELTERING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 36 of 54
10. EVACUATION AND SHELTERING OF
PEOPLE
Evacuation of the entire area may not be the sensible option and is likely
to create more problems than it would resolve given the possible time
available to effect the evacuation and numbers of people.
Premises at risk e.g. basements and ground floor should be evacuated
along with vulnerable persons. Anyone else should be encouraged to
remain indoors if safe to do so.
The police will take the decision to evacuate / part evacuate an area.
The Council will arrange the opening of reception centres, transport,
welfare services for evacuees and if required other Council staff to assist
with informing residents and businesses. Other responding and voluntary
organisations will support the Council with this operation as necessary.
For details of Rest Centre Contact information and Location please see
Annex 15 (Shelter Plan) of The Council‟s Contingency Management Plan.
If there is a need to contact specific agencies dealing with vulnerable
people this can be facilitated through the BECC.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has a Memorandum of
Understanding with the British Red Cross for working in partnership to deal
with the initial impact upon the community and assisting with the operation
of reception and rest centres.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 11 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach RECOVERY
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 37 of 54
11. RECOVERY
The purpose of providing recovery support is to assist the affected community
towards management of its own recovery. It is recognition that where a
community experiences a significant emergency, there is a need to
supplement the personal, family and community structures which have been
disrupted.
The recovery phase of a flooding incident must begin as soon as practicably
possible and run along side flood response operations. Following the end of
the emergency response phase to a flooding incident, the BECC will decide
when it is appropriate to stand down. At this point control will officially be
handed back to departments to run as „business as normal‟ or to the
designated recovery team as required.
Recovery is more than simply the replacement of what has been destroyed
and the rehabilitation of those affected. It is a complex social and
developmental process rather than just a remedial process. The manner in
which recovery processes are undertaken is critical to their success.
11.1 Common Issues following flooding
Common issues following flooding include:
Clean up and waste disposal;
Repairs to public assets/infrastructure – schools;
Buildings; roads etc.
Restoration of power, communications and water;
Domestic and business insurance issues;
Displaced businesses;
Political involvement and implications;
Humanitarian assistance needs, including; homeless; displaced residents;
psychological impacts
Communication to the communities and affected groups – including help
lines
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 11 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach RECOVERY
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 38 of 54
Business continuity of all category 1 and 2 organisations.
If established the regional strategic co-ordinating group (SCG) may form a
regional recovery group, who will set the standard strategic priorities which will
support and inform the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea recovery
co-ordinating group.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will take the lead on recovery
after a flooding incident and will address issues including:
Clean up and waste disposal
Repairs to public assets/infrastructure
Restoration of power, communications and water
Domestic and business insurance issues
Displaced businesses
Humanitarian assistance needs including homeless/ displaced residents
and psychological impacts
The Council‟s Contingency Management Plan includes further details of this
process.
11.2 Formal Handover
In the event of a Thames Breach or overtopping the police will have overall
command of the response. When it is suitable to do so official handover must
take place from the police to the Local Authority.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 12 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach TRAINING AND EXERCISING
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 39 of 54
12. TRAINING AND EXERCISING
12.1 Training
It is essential to train responding officers in their roles and responsibilities
before they need to use the plan during an exercise or an actual event.
Training should take place at appropriate intervals to maintain awareness and
to inform responding officers of any amendments.
12.2 Exercising
Exercising the plan and responding officers will identify areas for improvement
and ensure that staff are able to deal with a flooding incident, should one
occur. Exercises aim to validate the plan, train staff and test procedures.
Such exercises may be internal, or tied into other multi-agency exercises to
confirm roles and responsibilities of responding departments / agencies as
well as the adequacy of communications, resources and equipment.
It is recommended that exercising this plan at operational and strategic levels
is undertaken whenever there is a major revision or at least every three years.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Section 13 Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach REFERENCES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 40 of 54
13. REFERENCES
Major Incident Procedures Manual, London Emergency Services Liaison
Panel, Eight Edition, 2012
www.leslp.gov.uk
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Contingency Management
Plan, Issue Six, January 2013
National Risk Register for Civil Emergencies, Cabinet Office, 2012
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/national-risk-register
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Risk Register, 2012
Environment Agency Flood Data for the Borough
London Evacuation Plan, London Regional Resilience Forum
(In development)
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Strategic Flood
Assessment
http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/PDF/RBKCSFRA_Final_reduced.pdf
TH644 – Thames Tidal Flood Maps Improvements Modelling, Phase 2,
Final Report, Environment Agency, March 2006
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix A Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach KEY CONTACTS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 41 of 54
14. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A – KEY EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Organisation Name Phone Number
The Royal
Borough of
Kensington and
Chelsea
Contact Centre Mon – Fri 0830 to 1730 020 7361 3000
Out of Hours Service 020 7361 3000
option 4
Environment
Agency
Floodline 0845 988 1188
Incident Hotline (Freephone, 24/7)
to report an incident
0800 807060
General Enquiries
Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm
03708 506 506
Utilities
Gas – National Grid 0800 111 999
Electricity - UK Power Networks 0800 028 0247
Thames Water 0800 714 614
Hospitals
Chelsea and Westminster 020 8746 8000
Royal Marsden 020 7352 8171
Royal Brompton 020 7352 8121
St Charles 020 8969 2488
Health
Protection
Agency
Emergency Response 01980 612100
Regional Office 020 8327 7181
Central Office 020 7811 7000
Voluntary
Sector
Red Cross 0844 871 11 11
St John Ambulance 020 7324 4000
Salvation Army 020 7367 4500
Metropolitan
Police Service
Police Stations in Kensington and Chelsea
101
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 42 of 54
This page is intentionally blank
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 43 of 54
APPENDIX B – THAMES BREACH FLOODING MAPS
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 44 of 54
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 45 of 54
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 46 of 54
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix B Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach THAMES BREACH/OVERTOPPING MAPS
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 47 of 54
Map 6 – Breach Locations and Flood Defence Conditions The
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
N.B. Map taken from The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea‟s Strategic Flood Plan
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix C Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AT RISK
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 48 of 54
APPENDIX C – MAPS OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE SITES AT RISK
FROM THAMES BREACH FLOODING
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix D Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach VULNERABLE PEOPLE AND FACILITIES
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 49 of 54
APPENDIX D - VULNERABLE PEOPLE, VULNERABLE FACILITIES
AND VULNERABLE KEY INFRASTRUCTURE
Log Sheet for Vulnerable People and Vulnerable Facilities – Thames Breach/
Overtopping Flooding
Ris
k
Rating
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Co
mm
ent
s
N/A
Co
mm
uni
cati
on
Iss
ues
N/A
Sup
port
need
ed in
em
erg
ency
No s
upp
ort
Necessary
:
Any s
choo
l im
pacte
d t
o
be c
lose
d a
nd w
ill b
e
reope
ned w
he
n
appro
priate
or
on th
e
advic
e o
f th
e e
merg
ency
serv
ices.
“ The R
oya
l B
oro
ugh
of
Kensin
gto
n a
nd C
he
lsea
sites h
ave t
he
ir o
wn
em
erg
ency a
nd
busin
ess c
ontin
uity
pla
ns inclu
din
g
evacuating a
nd
relo
cation
wh
ich s
hou
ld
suffic
e in a
flo
od
ing
scenario w
ith
out
the a
id
of ad
ditio
nal em
erg
ency
serv
ices u
nle
ss
exte
nu
ating
circum
sta
nces a
rise
.
No.
020
7352
5740
020
7352
5708
020 7
3510
35
7
Addre
ss
Bla
nty
re S
treet,
SW
10 0
DT
1 R
ob
inso
n
Str
eet,
Lo
ndo
n
529 K
ings R
oad
Lond
on
Facili
ties
Ashburn
ha
m
Prim
ary
Schoo
l
Christ
Churc
h
Prim
ary
Schoo
l
Word
s E
nd
Health
Centr
e
Type
Schoo
ls
Health
Facili
ties
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix E Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ROADS AT RISK
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 50 of 54
Ris
k
Rating
Hig
h
Hig
h
Com
men
ts
Com
mun
icati
on
Issu
es
Sup
port
need
ed in
em
erg
ency
The C
hild
ren
‟s h
om
e h
as its
ow
n e
merg
ency p
lans in
pla
ce t
hat
cover
flood
ing
scenarios a
nd w
ill b
e
activate
d if
an incid
en
t
arises.
No.
020 7
34
9
1650
020
7352
470
7
Addre
ss
10 T
horn
dik
e C
lose
LO
ND
ON
SW
10 0
ST
28 W
his
tler
Wa
lk,
Worl
d's
En
d E
sta
te,
Lond
on,
SW
10
0E
P
Facili
ties
Cheyne
Child
rens
Centr
e
Wh
istler
Wa
lk
Child
ren
‟s
Hom
e
Type
Socia
l C
are
Facili
ties
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix E Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach ROADS AT RISK
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 51 of 54
APPENDIX E – ROADS AT RISK FROM THAMES BREACH
FLOODING
Table (3) Shows Roads at Risk from Thames Flooding in the case of a Breach
of Thames Defences
Chelsea Embankment Tacema Road
Cheyne Walk Stadium Street
Lots Road Manor Street
Chelsea Wharf Christ Church Street
Chremorne Road Russel Road
Upcerne Road Chelsea Bridge Road
Uverdale Road
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix F Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach PUIBLIC ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 52 of 54
APPENDIX F – Public Advice and Guidance
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea recommend that the public
make use of the Environment Agency and the Health Protection Agency‟s
advice.
Environment Agency:
The Environment Agency has various leaflets of advice:
Preparing for a Flood
During a Flood
After a Flood
These leaflets can be found on the Environment Agencies website, in PDF
format and in an audio version.
The Environment Agency also provides information on flooding for businesses
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx
and
Floodline Warnings Direct; A free service that provides flood warnings direct
by phone, mobile, email, SMS text message, fax or pager. The number is
0845 988 1188.
Health Protection Agency (HPA)
The HPA has a list of Frequently Asked Questions available on its website.
These can be found at:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebPrinterFriendly/HPAweb_C/12
13686561005?p=1213686561915
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix G Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach SANDBAG POLICY
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 53 of 54
APPENDIX G Sandbag Policy
In keeping with the strategic aim of preventing large scale flooding to the
borough, key installations and public infrastructure priority will initially be given
to:
Temporary works as identified by responding agencies to prevent flooding
to large areas of the city affecting both residential and commercial
properties.
Repairs to existing flood defences
Key installations: cc Utility stations, hospitals, schools, communication
centres, council buildings (i.e. residential homes) and operational
emergency services premises.
Critical transportation routes and other essential roads.
Situations covered by this Policy
This policy is intended to counter the threat from overtopping of the River
Thames, breaches of permanent or temporary defences, or areas of surface
water flooding.
Public Supplies
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will not provide sandbags to
the public in a Thames Breach/Overtopping flooding incident.
Building a Sandbag Wall:
It is essential to fill the sandbags correctly, they must not be over-filled.
Sandbag walls should never be constructed with a vertical face, but should be
laid in a pyramid shape with never less than two rows at the top of the
pyramid.
Kensington and Chelsea Borough Resilience Forum Appendix G Multi Agency Flood Plan – Thames Breach SANDBAG POLICY
Issue 3 (Public) / 04 February 2013 Page 54 of 54
Figure L1 - Sandbag wall cross-section showing pyramid formation
Figure L2 – Location of plastic waterproofing sheeting
Sandbag walls are not waterproof, but waterproofing can be achieved using
plastic sheeting which is threaded through the layers. Avoid placing any of the
outside wall in the direction of the water.