FloodSmart – prepare now for tomorrow - who does what?
Flood management is a shared responsibility between several organisations, each with a specific role. When flooding occurs, one agency will take the lead depending on the nature and location of the incident. Here's how it all works:
Key agencies Involved in flood response
Emergency services - police, fire, and ambulance services coordinate the emergency response during a flood, including evacuations and public safety.
Environment Agency (EA) - the EA leads on flood risk management for main rivers and coastal areas. They maintain flood defences, issue flood warnings, regulate reservoir safety, and work with the Met Office to provide forecasts.
West Sussex County Council - as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), they manage risks from surface water, groundwater, and ordinary watercourses across the county.
Arun District Council - we help manage local flood risks from surface water, groundwater, and smaller watercourses. We also support the operation of some flood defences, although riparian owners (those with watercourses on or next to their property) are responsible for maintenance.
In the event of flooding, we work as part of a multi-agency emergency team, helping to coordinate support and, if needed, set up emergency 'rest centres' for evacuation and shelter.
Southern Water - responsible for drainage and sewer systems, which can contribute to or worsen flooding if overwhelmed.
HM Coastguard - trained in water rescue, coastguard teams can assist with both coastal and inland flooding emergencies.
What you can do
While these agencies work together to manage flood risks and respond to emergencies, residents in high-risk areas must take steps to prepare. As part of our FloodSmart campaign, we're sharing practical advice to help you:
- understand your flood risk
- create a household flood plan
- know how to protect your property
- sign up for flood alerts
Visit our homepage and search for 'FloodSmart' to explore previous posts and stay tuned for our weekly updates.
Being prepared can make all the difference.