Flooding (water safety)

Rivers or streams in rural areas can quickly rise during heavy rainfall or melting snow, flooding nearby areas and roads. Floods may be sudden, and rural communities may be particularly at risk, for example being cut off due to limited road access.

What we do to reduce the impact:

Work with partners to identify vulnerable customers who might require additional support during flooding.
Support agencies in pumping of water away from properties, minimising damage.
Supporting partners through the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) in the logistics associated with a flooding event, building stronger community resilience against future incidents.
Work with partner agencies to raise awareness of flooding and inland water safety through public-facing campaigns.

New actions to deliver our plan:

Work with water safety partners to devise targeted programmes, campaigns and materials to help people living in small towns and villages with flooding.
Making sure we have the right water rescue equipment in the right places.
Review our rescue methods and training, specifically for rural water incidents.