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Floods and Flooding in Care Homes Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets out the values, principles and policies underpinning {{org_field_name}}’s approach to dealing with the emergencies arising from floods or the risk of flooding of {{org_field_name}}, in the vicinity or in a wider area that could disrupt its running and put residents’ welfare at risk.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that floods not only cause damage to buildings and property but can disrupt transport services as well. This can cause problems for the ambulance and community health services in areas most severely affected, as well as causing problems for staff getting to and from work.

Even outside of high-risk areas, heavy rain can cause groundwater to rise and blocked sewers can cause a flood.

Care homes will be concerned about flooding affecting:

• care home premises
• local roads, preventing care staff from getting to work or supplies being delivered
• the possibility of being marooned under some conditions.

Care home managers should ensure that contingency plans are in place to cover potential damage, staffing emergencies and resident welfare, including extreme situations where evacuation plans might have to be put into effect.

This policy should be used with reference to the home’ other Contingency Planning policies, which are produced in line with local authority responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its service continuity plans.

See Business Continuity Plan: Flooding.

Contingency Plans for a Flooding Emergency

Importance of Risk Assessments

As part of its general service continuity planning, the home carries out risk assessments for flooding using local authority and Environment Agency guidance, and by constantly checking local flood and weather alerts, including for flash flooding. The home will reduce its flood risk from flash flooding by ensuring the premises are always well maintained with drains kept clear and pipes regularly checked for leaks.

Responding to Flood Risks

Where a risk is identified the home will:

• prepare a plan to mitigate the effects of possible flooding in line with local authority and national guidance, which will include:
  • arrangements for resident welfare, including continuity of their personal care, nutrition and hydration needs and medicines.
  • arrangements to maintain staffing levels where there might be difficulties in staff travelling arrangements
  • arrangements to maintain essential supplies, including food and medicines
  • evacuation and relocation plans
• put in place appropriate measures to protect the premises and take steps to limit potential damage where possible
• ensure insurance cover for damage and business interruption
• identify procedures for staff to follow in the event of a flood or on receiving a flood warning and brief staff on them, including possible evacuation
• ensure there is full consultation with local authorities and service commissioners on the contingency plans.

Responsibilities

To reduce risks to people and damage to property there will be a designated lead person to direct and manage any response required. The lead person will ensure:

• service users’ welfare is made a priority and that they can always be kept safe and have their needs met
• staff can carry out their work safely with minimum of disruption and are fully supported
• buildings and contents insurance policy are confirmed for flooding
• there is a procedure to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if flood water is about to enter a property
• safety measures are always in respect of electricity, gas and other utilities and for any driving that has to be undertaken during the flood period
• evacuation plans are in place if instructed and directed by the emergency services.

Recovery

• Residents who have been adversely affected by the episode will have their needs reassessed to ensure their wellbeing.
• Staff will also be supported to address any occupational health issues arising from the episode.
• Buildings that have been evacuated due to flooding will not be re-occupied until a full risk assessment and site survey has been completed.
• There will be a thorough inspection for any physical damage to buildings by a qualified person.
• Power supplies will be checked thoroughly by a qualified contractor whether or not they were disconnected prior to the flooding.
• Where relevant, an asbestos survey will be carried out.
• Infection risks will be fully assesses and appropriate control measures put in place.
• The premises will be made fully safe for service users and staff before being reoccupied.
• There will be full consultation with local authorities and service commissioners on the recovery plans.

Training

All staff receive training, which is regularly updated on the home’s service’s continuity plans, including the emergency actions to be taken in the event of flooding.

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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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