DCW86-Flood and Floods Management and Safety Policy
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Flood and Floods Management and Safety Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} has a comprehensive flood management and safety plan to protect service users, staff, and business operations in the event of flooding. As climate change increases the likelihood of severe weather events, including floods, this policy outlines preventative measures, emergency response procedures, and recovery strategies to minimise risk and ensure continuity of care.
Our objectives are to:
- Ensure the safety and well-being of service users and staff during flood incidents.
- Implement robust flood risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Establish clear emergency procedures for responding to floods.
- Maintain essential care services during and after flooding events.
- Comply with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and national emergency preparedness guidance.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All service users, particularly those living in flood-risk areas.
- All employees, including care workers, administrative staff, and managers.
- The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, ensuring compliance.
- External agencies, including emergency services, local authorities, and environmental agencies.
- Families and carers, where applicable, in supporting service users during flood events.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy aligns with:
- The Civil Contingencies Act 2004, outlining duties in emergency preparedness and response.
- The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, ensuring service continuity in emergencies.
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, ensuring service user safety and support.
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, requiring protection of staff and service users in hazardous conditions.
- Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Flood Risk Regulations, ensuring proactive flood risk management.
- CIW Guidance on Business Continuity and Emergency Preparedness, ensuring resilience in care services.
4. Identifying Flood Risks and Prevention Strategies
4.1 Flood Risk Assessments
- Identify service users living in flood-prone areas using flood maps from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
- Assess office locations and staff travel routes for potential flood risks.
- Ensure flood risk information is documented in individual service user care plans.
4.2 Preventative Measures
- Encourage service users in flood-risk areas to register for flood alerts via NRW and local authorities.
- Work with service users and families to develop personal emergency plans.
- Ensure vital documents (e.g., care plans, medication records) are stored securely and digitally.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Service user records include flood risk ratings for proactive planning.
- A dedicated flood response lead coordinates risk assessments and updates.
5. Emergency Preparedness and Flood Response Plan
5.1 Early Warning Systems and Communication
- Monitor flood warnings from NRW and Met Office.
- Implement an SMS and phone call alert system to notify staff and service users of impending floods.
- Ensure all staff are aware of flood response procedures and contact lists.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Emergency contact lists are updated quarterly.
- A digital emergency notification system ensures rapid alerts.
5.2 Evacuation and Relocation Procedures
- Service users at risk must have a documented evacuation plan.
- Staff will assist in relocating vulnerable individuals to safe locations if flooding occurs.
- Coordinate with local authorities for emergency accommodation if needed.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Evacuation plans are rehearsed annually through training drills.
- Emergency kits, including essential medical supplies, are pre-prepared for at-risk service users.
6. Maintaining Care Services During Floods
6.1 Staff Allocation and Remote Working
- Identify priority visits to high-risk service users during flood disruptions.
- Implement remote working protocols for administrative and non-essential staff.
- Ensure care staff have emergency travel plans to reach service users safely.
6.2 Medication and Medical Equipment Management
- Ensure service users in flood-prone areas have an extra supply of essential medication.
- Coordinate with pharmacies for emergency medication deliveries.
- Secure backup power solutions for individuals relying on electrical medical equipment.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A medical supplies contingency plan ensures continuity in emergencies.
- Local pharmacies and GPs are included in our emergency communication network.
7. Post-Flood Recovery and Service Continuity
7.1 Assessing Service User Well-being
- After a flood, staff must conduct welfare checks on all affected service users.
- Assess physical, emotional, and psychological impacts and provide support accordingly.
- Ensure homes are safe before resuming full care services.
7.2 Restoring Office Operations
- Conduct post-flood safety assessments before reopening office premises.
- Sanitise and repair any damaged equipment to maintain a safe working environment.
- Implement flexible working arrangements if the office remains inaccessible.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A structured recovery plan ensures smooth transition back to normal operations.
- Incident reports are reviewed to improve future flood response strategies.
8. Staff Training and Awareness
8.1 Mandatory Flood Preparedness Training
- All staff must complete annual training on flood response and safety.
- Specific training is provided to care workers supporting service users in flood-prone areas.
- Scenario-based training ensures staff can handle real flood situations effectively.
8.2 Drills and Simulations
- Emergency flood response drills are conducted annually.
- Staff role-play emergency scenarios to reinforce quick decision-making.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A flood training log ensures compliance and competency levels.
- Feedback from drills is used to refine the emergency response plan.
9. Engaging with External Agencies and Multi-Agency Collaboration
- Maintain partnerships with local councils, emergency services, and NRW.
- Participate in regional flood planning discussions and updates.
- Ensure compliance with national emergency planning frameworks.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Regular liaison meetings with external agencies enhance flood preparedness.
- Multi-agency collaboration ensures effective response coordination.
10. Related Policies
This policy aligns with:
- Emergency and Disaster Management Policy (DCW28).
- Health and Safety Policy (DCW18).
- Infection Control and Hygiene Policy (DCW22).
- Risk Assessment and Business Continuity Policy (DCW35).
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, business needs, or CIW updates. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring compliance.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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