Uckfield
Flood Plan
Version 5 - 2016
Uckfield floods in 2000
February 2016
Uckfield Flood Plan
This is the 2016 version. It replaces the 2011 version.
It does not contain any sensitive information.
Uckfield Flood Plan - 2016
Title
(Sussex Resilience Forum Multi-agency Flood Plan Part 2)
Version Number
5.0
Plan Author
Primary Reviewers
Distribution Details
Jim Foster – East Sussex Resilience and Emergencies
Partnership
Sussex Police
South East Coast Ambulance NHS Trust
East Sussex Fire & Rescue
Environment Agency
East Sussex Resilience and Emergencies Partnership
Wealden District Council
Uckfield Town Council
NHS
All Primary Reviewers listed above
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Public Health England
Southern Gas Networks
Southeast Water
UK Power Networks (formerly EDF Energy)
Southern Water
Network Rail
(Sussex)
RNLI
St. John Ambulance
British Red Cross Society
Radio Amateurs Network (Raynet)
Uckfield Chamber of Commerce
Women’s Royal Voluntary Service
Date First Published
2002, Revised and updated 2005, 2008 & 2011
Date of Current Publication
2016 (This version replaces the previous 2011 version)
Date of Next Review
2019
Amendment Details
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 2 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
5
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5
Ownership and Review ................................................................................................... 6
Aims……………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 6
Scope .............................................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 2 – THE RISK OF FLOODING
7
History ............................................................................................................................. 7
Flood Risk Assessment .................................................................................................. 7
SECTION 3 - PLAN ACTIVATION
9
Action on receipt of EA Flood Warnings .................................................................... 9
FLOOD ALERT means Flooding is possible. Be prepared ............................................ 9
FLOOD WARNING means Flooding is expected. Immediate action required ............. 10
SEVERE FLOOD WARNING means Severe flooding. Danger to life. ......................... 11
Flood Warning No Longer in Force ............................................................................... 11
Partner Notification Process...................................................................................... 12
SECTION 4 – COORDINATION OF RESPONSE
13
Initial Inter-agency Response Meeting ......................................................................... 13
Tactical Coordinating Centre ........................................................................................ 13
SECTION 5 – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
15
Roles & Responsibilities ............................................................................................... 15
Uckfield Town Council Emergency Plans ..................................................................... 15
SECTION 6 - COMMUNICATIONS
16
Key Public Information .................................................................................................. 16
Warning Methods .......................................................................................................... 16
Specific Warning Methods ............................................................................................ 16
Media 16
RAYNET........................................................................................................................ 17
SECTION 7 - EVACUATION
18
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 18
Evacuation Process ...................................................................................................... 18
The following locations may be suitable options for an RVP / MA: .............................. 18
Rest Centres ................................................................................................................. 19
Emergency Transport ................................................................................................... 20
Animals ......................................................................................................................... 21
Record Keeping ............................................................................................................ 21
Commercial Concerns .................................................................................................. 21
SECTION 8 - VULNERABLE PEOPLE
23
Identifying the Vulnerable ............................................................................................. 23
SECTION 9 – KEY INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN FLOODPLAIN
25
Key Infrastructure .......................................................................................................... 25
Risk from Pollutants and Hazardous Materials ............................................................. 25
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 3 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 10 – RECOVERY
26
SECTION 11 – TRAINING AND EXERCISING
27
Training ......................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX A: INTER-AGENCY TACTICAL MEETING
28
APPENDIX B: CONTACTS SHEET – ALL RESPONDING AGENCIES
29
APPENDIX C: FLOOD SECTOR TABLES
32
APPENDIX D: RESOURCES
37
APPENDIX E: FLOOD RISK SUMMARY SHEET
38
APPENDIX F: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
40
APPENDIX G: POLICE EVACUATION ADVICE & RECORD
41
APPENDIX H: OWN ORGANISATION'S PROCEDURES & ACTIONS
45
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 4 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
1.1
This Plan must be read in conjunction with the Sussex Resilience Forum
(SRF) Multi-Agency Flood Plan Part 1: Generic Procedures. The Part 1
provides generic information for responding and managing a flood incident in
Sussex.
This Part 2 plan includes detailed information specific to the ‘high-risk’ area in
Uckfield town centre which could be subject to fluvial flooding from the River
Uck.
1.2
The Environment Agency (EA) will circulate warnings of possible flooding to
emergency services, local authorities and the general public. The definitions
of flood warnings are listed in the table below.
(Click this link for the Live EA Flood Warning Map)
Warning no
longer in force
What it means
Flooding is possible.
Be prepared.
What it means
Flooding is expected.
Immediate action
required.
What it means
Severe flooding.
Danger to life.
When it’s used
2 hours to 2 days in
advance of flooding.
When it’s used
Half an hour to 1 day
in advance of
flooding.
When it’s used
When flooding poses
a significant threat to
life.
What to do
 Be prepared to act
on your flood plan.
 Prepare a flood kit
of essential items.
 Monitor local water
levels and the
flood forecast on
EA's website.
 Call Floodline on
0345 988 1188 for
up-to-date
information
What to do
 Move family, pets
and valuables to a
safe place.
 Turn off gas,
electricity and
water supplies if
safe to do so.
 Put flood
protection
equipment in
place.
 Protect yourself
and help others.
What to do
 Stay in a safe
place with a
means of escape.
 Be ready should
you need to
evacuate from
your home.
 Co-operate with
the emergency
services.
 Call 999 if you are
in immediate
danger.
1.3
What it means
No further flooding
is currently
expected for your
area.
When it’s used
When river or sea
conditions begin to
return to normal.
What to do
 Be careful. Flood
water may still be
around for
several days.
 If you've been
flooded, ring
your insurance
company as
soon as possible.
Environment Agency Floodline.
The Environment Agency Floodline service provides up-dated recorded
information on local flood warnings for the Uckfield area as follows:
a)
Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188
b)
Listen to the recorded message then Press 1
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 5 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
c)
Enter the appropriate Quick dial number:
Flood Warning Area
Uckfield
Olives Meadow at Uckfield
Quick dial Ref Code
0124253
(065FWF1102)
0124252
(065FWF1103)
Ownership and Review
1.4
This is a multi-agency plan with input from a number of key organisations and
with the review / updating being led by Wealden District Council. It will be reviewed
every three years.
This plan will also be reviewed if any of the following criteria is met:






After significant flood event;
Lessons identified from a flooding exercise;
Changes to the level of flood risk to the area covered by this plan;
Changes to the Environment Agency’s flood warning service that impact
on this plan;
Restructuring or significant changes to key responding organisations; and
Changes in Legislation or Government guidance
Aims
1.6
This plan provides a framework for the co-ordinated inter-agency response to
flooding or the threat of flooding from the River Uck in Uckfield.
Objectives
1.7
The objectives of this plan are to:
 To identify activation triggers for responding to flood warnings.
 To set out the actions to be taken on receipt of flood warnings.
 To set out the process for a coordinated response.
 To identify procedures for warning and informing the public.
 To provide information to support an evacuation.
Scope
1.8
This plan provides a multi-agency framework to combine the activation and
response to a river flooding emergency in Uckfield. Each responding
organisation will have their own specific contingency plans for deploying and
coordinating their own resources. Reference to an organisation's own
response could be included in Section 5 paragraph 5.3
It does not specifically cover surface water flooding for which forecasting is far
less predictable than river flooding and which is likely to be short lived.
However, the procedures outlined within this Plan could be used as guidance
in a surface water flooding scenario depending on the circumstances.
The plan does not cover long term recovery.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 6 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 2 – THE RISK OF FLOODING
History
2.1
Flood events in Uckfield have been recorded in history as far back as 1843.
Due to the steep shape and geology of the catchment, the floodwaters rise
and fall quickly in the River Uck. The main cause of flooding in the town
centre is the small channel capacity and absence of any functional flood plain.
There was severe flooding in 1960 but the most extreme events were in 2000
when Uckfield was flooded on three occasions. The worst was on 12 October
of that year when, following a period of heavy rains, a small intense rainstorm
over the catchment caused serious flooding up to 2m deep in the town centre.
Flood Risk Assessment
2.2
There are an estimated 60 residential properties in Uckfield at risk of flooding
and some 132 commercial properties. (See Table 1 below and the
Community Flood Risk Summary Sheet is in Appendix E.) (‘affected’ by
flooding 130 residential, 169 commercial properties – see Note below para
2.4)
2.3
Uckfield has been divided into 4 flood risk sectors (A – D) for the purpose of
disseminating information and advice and implementing evacuation
procedures. Maps of these areas are provided in Appendix C.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 7 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
2.4
Table 1: Locations and what is at Risk
Risk
Sector/
location
A
B
C
D
Source
of
flooding
River
Uck
River
Uck
River
Uck
River
Uck
No. of
residential
properties
affected
No. of
commercial
properties
affected
61
No. of
residential
properties
at risk of
flooding
31
No. of
commercial
properties
at risk of
flooding
35
54
51
13
6
12
10
90
7
80
22
5
15
5
Note: The above table gives two counts of flood risk.
‘At risk of flooding’ counts are those properties whose centre point is
specifically within the modelled flood maps.
‘Properties affected’ counts are those properties where some part of the
building is intersected by the modelled flood maps (not just the centre point),
but also properties who may not be flooded directly, but may have issues of
access and egress and disruption caused by the flood events. The ‘properties
affected’ numbers are likely to be more pragmatic, and conservative which
can be used for ‘worst case’ planning.
Further detail can be found in Appendix C of this plan.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 8 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 3 - PLAN ACTIVATION
This plan will be triggered and activated in response to a Flood Warning and
Severe Flood Warning for Uckfield. However in most circumstances a Flood
Alert will be issued in the build up to a Flood Warning and therefore it is included
Key Note: Where possible an advance notification of a flood warning may be
given by the EA in a telephone call from the Flood Warning Duty Officer to
the East Sussex Resilience and Emergencies Partnership Duty Officer or at a
SRF severe weather teleconference.
3.2
Action on receipt of EA Flood Warnings
Upon receipt of flood warnings described below the following action should be
taken
3.3
FLOOD ALERT means Flooding is possible. Be prepared
Diagram 1: Initial multi-agency action on receipt of a Flood Alert
All Partner Agencies
Locate and familiarise themselves with this
Plan
Consider raising awareness among appropriate personnel
to be prepared for the possibility of Flood Alert being
up-graded to a Flood Warning.
Note: Severe weather conditions may give rise to a SRF (multi-agency)
teleconference when Flood Alerts are in place and likely developments of the
flooding situation may be discussed with the Environment Agency.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 9 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
3.4
FLOOD WARNING means Flooding is expected. Immediate action
required
Diagram 2: Initial multi-agency action for a Flood Warning and decision to
hold a meeting / teleconference
Environment Agency (EA) inform SRF Partners
that it is or will be issuing a Flood Warning Flood
Warning for Uckfield
Sussex Police Force Command and Control will be informed and will notify the
Force GOLD or SILVER Commander as necessary and contact the Duty
Emergency Planner who will then immediately
discuss the need for a multi-agency meeting with the following partners:
(See SRF Contact Directory for Police Duty Officer numbers)
Environment Agency Flood
Warning Duty Officer on
(See SRF Contact Directory)
ESCC Emergency
Planning Duty Officer on
01323 747090 / Lifeline
01323 644422 (OOH)
Contacts Wealden DC,
YES
NO
Is a multi-agency meeting or
teleconference required? *
Police Silver appoints an Officer to
chair multi-agency meeting.
Police / EA / LA agree time for
initial meeting at Uckfield Police
Station or teleconference
Notify partner agencies
(see page 9)
Note:
If NO meeting is required all
partners must remain alert to
the possibility that
circumstances may change
and require the decision to
be reviewed.
Notify partner agencies
(see page 9)
Important:
Each partner agency must be represented by an officer with the authority to make
decisions on its behalf.
* Considerations should include EA advice, likely duration and extent of flooding event,
potential impact of further forecast weather, risk to people and key sites, resource
requirements. The Police will log the reasons for the decision to hold a meeting or not.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 10 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
3.5
SEVERE FLOOD WARNING means Severe flooding. Danger to life.
Diagram 3: Action for a Severe Flood Warning
Multi-agency meeting will be held
Environment Agency (EA) inform SRF Partners that it is or will
be issuing a Severe Flood Warning for Uckfield
A multi-agency meeting / teleconference
is required
Sussex Police Force Command & Control will be informed and will notify the
Force GOLD or SILVER Commander as necessary and contact the
Duty Emergency Planner and
An Officer will be appointed to Chair the multi-agency meeting / teleconference
Police / EA / LA agree time for
initial meeting at Uckfield Police
Station or teleconference
Notify partner agencies
(see page 12)
Important:
Each partner agency must be represented by an officer with the authority to make
decisions on its behalf.
3.6
Flood Warning No Longer in Force
This is issued by the Environment Agency when the threat of flooding has fallen
below their trigger levels, however where flooding has actually occurred recovery
work for the affected communities will still be happening.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 11 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Partner Notification Process.
Note: The Sussex Resilience Forum Contacts Directory is regularly updated for use
by Members and contains some private contact numbers for use in emergencies
Informing Organisation
Sussex Police
South East Coast
Ambulance NHS
Foundation Trust
Maritime & Coastguard
Agency
County Council
Emergency Planning
Wealden District Council
Recipient
East Sussex County
Council - East Sussex
Resilience & Emergencies
Partnership
Environment Agency
Sussex Flood Warning
Duty Officer
ES Fire & Rescue Service
SE Coast Ambulance Trust
Duty Command Team
Officer
Maritime & Coastguard
Agency, Solent
British Transport Police
Contact No
See SRF
Contacts
Directory
NHS England
See SRF Contacts
Directory
Hospitals
Via NHS England
RNLI, Poole
Via MCA
Wealden District Council
UK Power Networks
(formerly EDF Energy)
Southern Water
South East Water
TransCo
RAYNET
Uckfield Town Council,
Town Clerk
Uckfield Civic centre
Manager
See SRF
Contacts
Directory
See Wealden DC
Emergency Contacts
list for out-of-hours
numbers
Uckfield Assist Town Clerk
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 12 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 4 – COORDINATION OF RESPONSE
Key Note:
The personal safety of the staff from all responding agencies and the public is
paramount. All agencies must ensure that their own staff are fully briefed on any
potential dangers and have the appropriate personal protective equipment to carry
out their tasks.
Similarly, each responding agency is responsible for the welfare of its personnel.
Early consideration must be given to the arranging of rest breaks and refreshments
for staff and volunteers throughout the incident. Representatives and staff from
partner agencies who may be arriving from outside the area should be provided
with information about Uckfield and local facilities.
Initial Inter-agency Response Meeting
4.1
Sussex Police will coordinate the response and the nominated officer will
arrange the initial meeting as detailed in Diagrams 2 and 3 in Section 3.
4.2
A meeting agenda and list of recommended attendees can be found in
Appendix A. Wherever practicable a loggist from the Police or local authority
should be used to record decisions taken and the reasons. Each organisation
must be responsible for keeping its own records during an incident.
Teleconference
4.3
Depending on the circumstances, it may be decided that the first Tactical
Command 'meeting' may be via teleconference. This will be decided in the
initial discussions between the Police, Environment Agency and East
Sussex Resilience and Emergencies Partnership. Details of the
teleconferencing facility will be circulated to partners if required.
Tactical Command (Silver)
4.4
The response to the threat of flooding or actual flooding will be coordinated
by a Tactical Coordinating Group (TCG) in accordance with the Joint
Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) at a Tactical
Coordinating Centre (TCC) which will be at a venue agreed between the
Police and District Council taking account of the views of other partners
where possible
Tactical Coordinating Centre
4.5
The following location has been identified as a Tactical Coordinating Centre
(decision to be made during teleconference):
Uckfield Police Station
New Town, Uckfield TN22 5DL 0845 607 0999
KEY NOTE: Where multiple TCGs are required to manage flooding across Sussex
a Tactical Advisory Group (TAG) will be activated at Police Headquarters, Lewes.
The TAG will maintain an overview of impacts across Sussex.
A Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) comprising senior strategic
representatives of the emergency services, local authority and such other partners
as required may be convened at Police Headquarters should the scale of the
incident require that level of response.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 13 of 45
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 14 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 5 – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Roles & Responsibilities
5.1
The roles and responsibilities of the various organisations are set out in
Section 5 of Part 1 of this Multi-agency Flood Plan. In particular that section
identifies the roles of:












Environment Agency,
Sussex Police,
East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services,
Local Authorities,
Public Heath England,
NHS (including South East Coast Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust),
Met Office,
Sussex Resilience Forum Secretariat,
All Category 2 Responders,
Water Companies,
Public,
Voluntary Organisations.
Uckfield Town Council Emergency Plans
5.2
This Uckfield Flood Plan represents the multi-agency response, command
and control arrangements of the high risk incident that is likely to affect
Uckfield. In addition to this plan, Uckfield Town Council has a general
emergency plan which may be used to complement a response and provide
additional resources.
Actions by individual organisations - Own Agency Response
5.3
Each partner agency has its own procedures to follow and actions to take
and is responsible for its own internal response arrangements. Use
Appendix H for your own organisation's procedures and actions.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 15 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 6 - COMMUNICATIONS
Key Public Information
6.1
Media statements and information leaflets should provide information on: Flood warnings and their likely impact, areas most affected etc.
 Action to be taken i.e. to evacuate or remain, damage limitation etc.
 Exit routes, assembly points, rest centres etc.
 Advice regarding pets, whether to bring pet food etc.
 Where more detailed information can be obtained e.g. Floodline (0345 988
1188), named radio stations (e.g. Sovereign FM - 107.5, Uckfield FM -105)
etc.
 Any additional advice provided by the Environment Agency.
Warning Methods
6.2
Flood warnings are disseminated by a number of methods including:
o EA Floodline Warnings Direct (FWD) – by telephone, mobile, pager
and fax.
o EA Extended Direct Warnings Service (This service sends an
automated Flood Warning message to all properties with landlines
within the flood warning area (i.e. Flood Warnings and Severe Flood
Warnings)
(except those already registered with the FWD system
and those that have ‘opted out’)
o EA Floodline – 0345 988 1188
o Website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarning).
o Flood Guidance Statements
o Met Office weather forecasts and emails
Television
Specific Warning Methods
6.3
Warnings can be further circulated by
 Local Radio (e.g. Sovereign FM - 107.5, Uckfield FM - 105)
 Community networks
 Vehicle mounted PA system.
 Personal visits to premises when evacuation is proposed.
 Leafleting (see below)
Media
6.4
Media coordination will be undertaken in accordance with the Information and
Media Strategy contained within the ‘Sussex Emergency Response and
Recovery (SERR)’ document. The police will lead and each agency should
identify their media representative and notify details to the police
communications team.
If a Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG) is sitting a 'Gold' Information Group
may coordinate media relations and communications to the public.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 16 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
6.5
Use should be made of appropriate websites, in particular: Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk)
 Met Office
(http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/se/se_forecast_weather.html)
 Sussex Police (http://www.sussex.police.uk/)
 East Sussex County Council (www.eastsussex.gov.uk)
 Wealden District Council (www.wealden.gov.uk)
 Highways Agency (http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/forecast.aspx)
 Uckfield town Council (www.uckfieldtc.gov.uk)
 Sovereign Radio (http://sovereignfm.com/)
 Uckfield FM (http://www.uckfieldfm.co.uk/)
RAYNET
6.6
RAYNET may be able to provide staff to facilitate communications between
enquiry teams, evacuation buses and nominated rest centres.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 17 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Section 7 - EVACUATION
Introduction
7.1
Evacuation will be discussed at the first multi-agency meeting. If not
considered immediately necessary it will need to be regularly reviewed
thereafter.
7.2
Types of Evacuees.
Self-evacuees - those making their own transport and accommodation
arrangements. Self-evacuation should be encouraged to enable emergency
services to concentrate on the vulnerable and those needing help.
Vulnerable - Details of infirm, disabled and other vulnerable persons will be
collated by Sussex Police and Social Services through the Evacuation Control
Post. They will be responsible for notifying the Ambulance Service for
individual assessment and specialised transport requirements wherever
necessary. (See also Section 8 – Vulnerable People.)
[Note - In the interest of patient safety, data protection can be overridden
although details of patient medical condition would not be shared unless it
could be demonstrated that it was in the best interest of the patient]
No Transport – able bodied - Because of the closeness of the rest centres in
Uckfield, in most case these persons will be able to make their own way.
Evacuation Process
7.3
Flood Risk Sectors – Flood Risk Sector Tables can be found in Appendix C,
which provide details of numbers of residence, transport requirement,
Rendezvous Points (RVP), evacuation routes, pick-up points and any special
considerations to be taken into account prior to evacuating sectors.
7.4
Rendezvous Points (RVP) / Marshalling Areas (MA)
The following locations may be suitable options for an RVP / MA:
Highlands Inn Car Park, (south of River Uck)
Eastbourne Road, Ridgewood, Uckfield TN22 5SP
Uckfield Leisure Centre Car Park, (north of River Uck)
Downsview Crescent, Uckfield TN22 1UB
(Depending on the time of day and circumstances, the Luxford Field Car Park
(TN22 1AL) may be considered as an alternative RVP / MA.)
7.5
Evacuation Control Post (ECP) The following location may be suitable for
an Evacuation Control Post:
Uckfield Police Station
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 18 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
7.6
Evacuation Co-ordination.
The Police will appoint one or more operational (or 'Bronze') Commanders to
co-ordinate evacuation from the Evacuation Control Post.
It should be staffed by representatives from:
 Sussex Police
 South East Coast Ambulance Service
 East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
 ESCC Adult Social Care / Children Services
 WDC Housing Departments
 East Sussex Hospital Trust / Clinical Commissioning Group
They will: assist in identifying and prioritising those people most at risk, particularly
the vulnerable (see Section 8 below),
 ensure effective security of evacuated areas
 advise on compliance with any traffic management scheme in force
Sample Evacuation Advice forms and Evacuation of Premises Record
forms are given in Appendix G.
7.7
Leafleting
In the event of an evacuation, the leaflet in Appendix G will be handed out to
houses visited.
Early consideration must be given to producing an on-going multi-agency
leaflet or bulletin containing advice on help immediately available, useful tips
on how to minimize the impact of flooding, health guidance etc. 1.
Local Councilors may wish to assist in delivering them house-to-house
together with such other staff / volunteers as may be available.
Deliveries can be phased out slowly, but in the early stages they are an
important source of information and reassurance.
7.8
Traffic Management
See Appendix F for proposed road closure points
Rest Centres
7.9
Wealden District Council (WDC) will activate its Rest Centre plan.
7.10
The designated rest centres are:

Uckfield Civic Centre, TN22 1AE (01825 762774)

Forester’s Hall, Harcourt Road, Uckfield TN22 5DT
1
Flooding may run into drainage systems, resulting in sewage entering buildings and causing potential for health
problems. Damaged and rotting foodstuffs (in freezers for example) may be a particular risk. District Environmental
Health Officers, working in consultation with Public Health Consultants, will need to make site visits and circulate
information/advice to minimize and eliminate the risks.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 19 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
7.11 Local Health Services - Alerting arrangements in East Sussex
See the SRF Contacts Directory for arrangements to alert community health services
of a request for a response to assist at a Rest Centre or similar establishment.
Once through to the Trust switchboard, the caller will need to identify themselves,
the authority from which they are calling and use the advisory term: ‘THIS IS A CIVIL EMERGENCY’
[It is most important that this is included to avoid a full major incident
response being initiated in hospitals that may be unaffected by the
incident.]
The call will be transferred to either the Chief Operating Officer (Deputy Chief
Executive) or their Deputy during normal working hours or to the On Call
Director out of hours. They will be responsible for deploying staff, so will need
to know:Type of incident causing the evacuation

Location of Centre(s) with any specific road access details

Expected number of evacuees at each Centre

Any known vulnerable evacuees e.g. Care Home or Sheltered Housing
being evacuated.

Contact number to call back for further information or in case of other
difficulty.
The Trust will provide staff to care for those with chronic conditions who would
be supported in their own homes but who have now been evacuated, and to
assist with other health related matters. The Trust will also inform the Surrey
& Sussex Area Team and East Sussex CCGs on call director
It remains the role of the NHS Ambulance Service to provide acute care
services in the form of First Aid / First Response to evacuees
Emergency Transport
7.12
East Sussex County Council will arrange the provision of emergency transport
in conjunction with Wealden District Council to facilitate the transfer of
evacuees to designated rest centre(s). However, in Uckfield the rest centres
are fairly close to the areas at risk of flooding and it is anticipated that most
able-bodied evacuees would be able to make their own way to the rest centres.
7.13
Where evacuees require transport this should be coordinated by the Police
Bronze commander in the Evacuation Control Post in consultation with other
representatives present (see paragraph 7.6).
Refusal to evacuate
7.14
Residents should be encouraged to leave as early as possible. However, it is
quite common that some householders decline to leave their premises (for
example some senior citizens and some householders with pets. It should be
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 20 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
pointed out to these residents that if the situation worsens they may want to
change their minds in which circumstances they may be putting themselves and
others at risk especially in cases where they need assistance from one of the
emergency services. However, it should be borne in mind that the decision to
evacuate is a matter of choice for the resident.
Animals
7.15
Domestic animals are often a problem in cases of evacuation: people will often
refuse to leave home without them, but their presence at a Rest Centre may be
uncomfortable and potentially disruptive.
The final decision will need to be made by a senior manager, but it is likely
that evacuees will be allowed to bring small domestic pets, e.g. dogs, cats,
caged birds and rodents etc., but not larger or more exotic animals such as
snakes.
The Rest Centre Plan provides some advice.
Record Keeping
7.16
Police officers / local authority staff and others engaged in notifying residents of
the evacuation should keep a record on the evacuation form of:
 The households visited,
 Those who require assistance
 Those who self evacuate and where to (note: monitoring of self-evacuees
may not be practical in all circumstances).
 Households who decline to leave.
Commercial Concerns
7.17
There are a number of businesses in the town that will be very keen to protect
or move valuable stock from the risk. It is their responsibility to assess the risk
and take whatever action they consider necessary. The Tactical Coordinating
Group should ensure that Police officers on cordon and diversion points are
advised to co-operate with them wherever possible, provided that it does not
compromise safety.
7.18
Industrial Premises
When considering evacuation, the Tactical Coordinating Group should
consider any likely additional risk factors caused by ingress of water onto
certain industrial premises. The Environment Agency and East Sussex Fire &
Rescue Service hold records of those commercial premises that hold
chemicals etc: which might cause contamination or create a public health
hazard.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 21 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
7.19
Railway Property
British Transport Police are advised by the Environment Agency of flood
warnings. They circulate them to Network Rail and the Rail Operators who
pass them to signallers and train drivers in order to prevent trains entering a
flooded area where risk is posed. The Tactical Coordinating Group should
consider advising the operating company to close any station at risk and
arrange alternative transport for customers.
7.20
Fishing and other Water Activities
Fishing takes place on some stretches of the River Uck. These should be
borne in mind due to the extra number of persons who may be at particular
risk.
7.21
Security
Sussex Police will appoint a Bronze Security Commander to co-ordinate the
task of providing security in the evacuated sectors
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 22 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 8 - VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Identifying the Vulnerable
8.1
The resources of responding agencies are limited so they will need to be
targeted towards those at risk and least able to help themselves i.e. the frail,
sick or disabled etc. Identifying those people quickly must be a priority. This
should be coordinated through the Evacuation Control Post. The SRF Plan
‘Identifying Vulnerable People During a Major Emergency’ provides
detailed information on compiling a list of people in an area at risk. But there
is no single source of information. The following paragraphs suggest some
possible sources of information.
8.2
Sources of information
 East Sussex Clinical Commissioning Groups
See the SRF Contacts Directory for arrangements to alert the local Clinical
Commissioning Groups for information regarding vulnerable people. Leave a
short message with contact details for them to call you back. Note that in the
interest of patient safety, data protection can be overridden although details of
patient medical condition would not be shared unless it could be
demonstrated that it was in the best interest of the patient.

‘Lifeline’ (Welbeing)
Through a ‘telecare’ arrangement, Welbeing supports many local elderly
and/or disabled living at home. It works closely with local authorities, health
services and housing associations. Contact (available 24 hour) can be made
on 01323 644422.

Adult Social Care – East Sussex CC
The County Council's ‘CareFirst’ database holds records of those they are
supporting. This database can be searched by street and town. They also
have a ‘Supporting People Team’ who knows of many addresses where
vulnerable people live.

Wealden District Council
Housing, the Private Sector Housing Team, may also be a source of
information

Uckfield Town Council
Uckfield Town Council should be represented at the first tactical meeting. The
representatives can link in to their communities, via existing local networks to
collate local knowledge
8.3
Door knocking
Where an evacuation is proposed it may be necessary for the police and the
staff of the local authorities to make house-to-house visits to warn and inform
those at risk and identify the vulnerable utilising local people where possible.
Local Councillors may also wish to assist with this task.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 23 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Those people tasked with door knocking will, during that process, identify/note
the details of those people who may need special assistance to evacuate, and
pass the information to the Evacuation Control Post, TCG, or LA.
8.4
Millington Court
This is a block of self-contained flats for 45 elderly residents in Mill Lane,
Uckfield. They live an independent lifestyle. The Manager and 4 residents
live on the ground floor: they have enhanced their flood protection measures,
are on the Floodline Warning Direct, and have a flood plan which involves
relocating those residents vulnerable to flooding inside the building before it
occurs. Therefore evacuation should not be necessary. A telephone call or
visit to see whether they need additional support should be considered.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 24 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 9 – KEY INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN FLOODPLAIN
Key Infrastructure
9.1
East Sussex Fire and Rescue station on Bell Farm Road Uckfield lies within
the flood plain
9.2
There are a number of small electricity sub-stations within the flood plain
locations of which is available from UK Power Network.
Risk from Pollutants and Hazardous Materials
9.3
The locations of premises which contain significant pollutants and hazardous
materials will be known to the Environment Agency and Fire & Rescue
Services which have records of those commercial premises that hold
chemicals etc. that might cause contamination.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 25 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 10 – RECOVERY
The Recovery Phase following a flood
10.1
Arrangements for co-ordinating the multi-agency recovery effort following an
emergency are detailed in the Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) Recovery
Plan.
10.2
Recovery following a flood has been recognised as a complex and long
process, which requires attention early on in the response phase of a major
flooding incident.
10.3
The recovery phase is most effectively managed with active participation from
the affected community and with welfare organisations playing an important
part. It can also offer opportunities for community development and
regeneration.
10.4
The following issues are likely to require attention and resources after a flood:






Clean-up and waste disposal
Restoration of power, communications and water supply
Domestic and business insurance issues
Humanitarian assistance needs including psychological impacts and
support for homeless / displaced residents
Displaced businesses
Repairs to public infrastructure – schools, buildings, roads, bridges.
10.5
Recovery Co-ordinating Group – The local authority usually leads the
recovery process and will (on the first day of the emergency where resources
allow) activate the Recovery Co-ordinating Group (RCG) on request by the
Strategic Co-ordinating Group. The RCG will agree a recovery strategy and
an appropriate action plan.
10.6
Depending on the situation sub-groups may be established to cover particular
aspects of the recovery process. Terms of reference and guidance on
membership are available. (see SRF Recovery Plan and National Recovery
Guidance below).
10.7
For further details and guidance please refer to the SRF Recovery Plan which
provides links to the National Recovery Guidance.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 26 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
SECTION 11 – TRAINING AND EXERCISING
Training
11.1 All responders should train an appropriate number of suitable staff to address
their roles as outlined in this plan and linked plans.
Exercises
11.2 This Uckfield Flood Plan was validated through the major national and local
live exercise – Watermark - in 2011. This included setting up a Strategic
Coordinating Group at Lewes, a Tactical Coordinating Group (‘Silver’) at
Uckfield Police Station, an Emergency Control Centre at Wealden DC offices.
There was an ‘evacuation’ element and two rest centres were established and
run for the ‘evacuees’ at the Civic Centre and Forester’s Hall. Following the
Exercise minor amendments were made and the Plan which was published in
December of that year. This version is an update in a slightly revised format –
but the main principles and arrangements are as in the previous version.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 27 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix A: Inter-agency Tactical Meeting
– Attendees and Agenda
Inter-Agency Meeting / Teleconference
Flood Warning(s) / Severe Flood Warning(s) for the Uckfield Flood Warning Area
Date:……………Time……………Location…………………………………………
Partner Agency
Representative
Sussex Police
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
South East Coast Ambulance Service
Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Environment Agency
East Sussex Resilience & Emergencies Partnership
Wealden District Council
Uckfield Town Council
Flood Warden Co-ordinator
Clinical Commissioning Group
UK Power Networks (formerly EDF Energy)
Southern Water
South-East water
Southern Gas
Other: (specify)
Agenda
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Introductions
Situation update from the Environment Agency
Extent of the area of flood/damage predicted by the Agency
Initial response strategy and need for Strategic Co-ordinating Group
Resources available from agencies
Need for evacuation – either full or partial
Location of Incident Control Post (Silver Control)
Identification of Evacuation Control Post and staff
Identification by District Council of rest centre(s) to be used
Identification of evacuation arrangements and suitable transport
Identification of the vulnerable
Notification process for residents
Rendezvous Point and/or Marshalling Area(s)
Traffic Management.
Media Management (Police as lead agency)
Requirement for Casualty Bureau
Requirement for utilities:
UK Power Networks, Transco, Network Rail, BT, Water, Sewerage
Requirement for voluntary organisations
Inter-Agency contacts sheets
Requirement for Recovery Coordinating Group
Any Other Business
Time and location of next meeting
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 28 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix B: Contacts Sheet – All Responding Agencies
Contact Details
All appropriate contact details should be obtained at the initial Tactical
inter-agency meeting / teleconference and updated throughout the incident.
Sussex Police
Role
Strategic (Gold)
Tactical (Silver)
Bronze Traffic
Bronze Evacuation
Bronze
Bronze
Evacuation Control Post
Logistics
SIO.
Press Officer
Name
Contact No.
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation trust
Role
Name
Contact No.
Strategic (Gold)
Tactical (Silver)
Bronze
SCG Member
Evacuation Control Post
Logistics
Press Officer
East Sussex Fire & Rescue
Role
Name
Strategic (Gold)
Tactical (Silver)
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
SCG Member
Logistics
Press Officer
Environment Agency
Role
SCG Member
Tactical (Silver)
EA Incident Room
Press Officer
Version 5.0 February 2016
Name
Contact No.
Contact No.
Page 29 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Contacts Sheet [2 of 3]
Maritime & Coastguard Agency (M.C.A.)
Role
Name
Strategic (Gold)
Tactical (Silver)
SCG Member
Evacuation Control Post
Press Officer
RNLI.
Role
Name
East Sussex County Council
Role
Name
Strategic
Tactical
Emergency Planning
Transport / Highways
Social Services
Evacuation Control Post
Emergency Centre
Press Officer
Wealden District Council
Role
Name
Strategic
Tactical (Local Authority
Incident Liaison Officer)
Evacuation Control Post
Rest Centre
Emergency Centre
Press Officer
Uckfield Town Council
Role
Co-ordinator
Incident Control
Evacuation Control Post
Member liaison
Contact No.
Contact No.
Contact No.
Contact No.
Name
Contact No.
St. John Ambulance Service
Role
Name
Contact No.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 30 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Contacts Sheet [3 of 3]
British Red Cross Society
Role
Name
Contact No.
WRVS
Role
Contact No.
Name
Military Aid
Role
Name
Contact No.
RAYNET
Role
Name
Contact No.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 31 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix C: Flood Sector Tables
Purpose
1) Uckfield has been divided into 4 flood risk sectors (A – D) for the purpose of
disseminating information and advice and implementing evacuation procedures.
The Sectors
2) Previous experience of flooding (i.e. the way the inundation progressed through
the flood warning area) has been drawn on to identify the likely flood pattern of
another event.
3) Sector ‘A’ is normally the first area to react from the River Uck but surface water
flooding due to extreme rainfall events can cause issues in any location
throughout the town.
4) The other sectors have been placed in a probable order of priority, with ‘B’ being
the most urgent, followed by ‘C’ then 'D'.
5)
The prevailing weather at the time of a Flood Warning will dictate the priority
given to each sector by responding agencies.
6) For details of these sectors see the following plan and tables.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 32 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Sector ‘A’
Population
High Street (North of river Uck)
Approx:130 at night. Substantially more during business
hours.
(54 residential properties and 61 commercial properties ‘
affected’ by flooding, People = 2.4 x Residential
Properties).
1. High Street/ London Road. - North
2. Bell Lane. B2102 – West
3. Civic Approach (South) - North
Civic Centre
Includes: Commercial premises on both sides of the High
Street. With some 14 residential flats above. Block of nine
flats at junction of Bell Farm Lane and Civic Approach
(South)
Evacuation routes
(Vehicular)
Rest Centre.
Other information
Vulnerable Venues
Facility
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Support
Needed in
emergency
Communication Issues/
Comments
NIL
Key Infrastructure
Key
Infrastructure
Bus Station
Electricity Sub
Station
Address
TN22 5DQ
TN22 1AG
Version 5.0 February 2016
Useful Contact
Numbers
Details
Grid
Reference
TQ4715820938
TQ4722420998
Page 33 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Sector ‘B’
Population
Mill Lane – Residential
Approx:120 people and 13 commercial properties.
(51 residential properties and 13 commercial properties ‘
affected’ by flooding, People = 2.4 xResidential Properties)
1. High Street - South.
Foresters Hall
Includes: Residential properties south of River Uck: Mill
Lane, Roller Mill, Millington Court and Northern end of
Alexandra Road.
Caffyns Garage and The Station Public House in Newtown
Evacuation routes
Rest Centre.
Other information
Vulnerable Venues
Facility
Assisted
Housing
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Millington Court
Mill Lane
Retirement Lease
Housing Assocn
Victoria House
Victoria Road
Aldershot
GU11 1EJ
01252 356000
Support
Needed in
emergency
Transport
Communication Issues/
Comments
24/7 Wardens.
45 flats for elderly but
ambulant residents.
5 Ground floor flats.
Plan is to relocate GF
residents to higher
floors.
Key Infrastructure
Key
Infrastructure
Uckfield Railway
Station
Bus Station
Electricity Sub Stn
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Details
Grid Reference
Uckfield Railway
Station, New Town,
Uckfield, TN22 5DL
TQ4730920898
TN22 5DQ
TN22 5AB
TQ4715820938
TQ4733120878
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 34 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Sector ‘C’
Population
Evacuation routes
Rest Centre.
Other information
Bellbrook Industrial Estate
Few (24) at night. Substantially more during business
hours.
(10 residential properties and 90 commercial properties ‘
affected’ by flooding, People = 2.4 xResidential Properties)
1. Bell Lane. B2102 - West
Civic Centre
Includes:
Industrial / Commercial
Uckfield Fire Station is in this sector - potentially at risk.
Vulnerable Venues
Facility
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Support
Needed in
emergency
Communication Issues/
Comments
NIL
Key Infrastructure
Key
Infrastructure
Uckfield Fire
Station
Electricity substations
Industrial
Processes
ESSO Petrol
Station
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Details
Bell Farm Road
Bellbrook Business
Park
Bellbrook Business
Park
Bell Farm Road
Version 5.0 February 2016
Grid
Reference
TQ4707921039
TQ4638320877
TQ4639720625
TQ4658720771
TQ4670520903
TQ4680820878
See section 9.3
See section 9.3
TQ4695521000
Page 35 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Sector ‘D’
Population
Olives Meadow – Residential.
Approx:53 people and 5 commercial properties.
(22 residential properties and 5 commercial properties ‘
affected’ by flooding, People = 2.4 x Residential
Properties).
1. Grange Road/ High Street - North
Evacuation routes
(Vehicular)
Rest Centre.
Other information
Civic Centre
Vulnerable Venues
Facility
Address
Useful Contact
Numbers
Support
Needed in
emergency
Communication Issues/
Comments
NIL
Key Infrastructure
Key
Infrastructure
Electricity Sub
Station
Address
TN22 1QY
Version 5.0 February 2016
Useful Contact
Numbers
Details
Grid Reference
TQ4751921058
Page 36 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix D: Resources
Sandbags
Wealden District Council - Householders are encouraged to protect themselves
against flood risk and there are a number of products available which help protect
property. Sandbags are readily available at builders merchants and there are lots of
modern alternatives that are easier to store and expand. For more information about
different products please go to:
 Kite-marked flood protection products
 National Flood Forum Blue Pages Directory
Wealden District Council like most other authorities does not supply sandbags
unless a Civil Emergency has been declared (Civil Contingencies Act 2004).
East Sussex County Council and the Environment Agency use sandbags for
strategic defensive work but neither makes them available to the public.
Uckfield Town Council does not supply sandbags.
4-wheel drive vehicles
These may be available through: Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard services
ESCC Transport & Environment Department / Countryside Rangers
Wealden District Council
4-wheel drive ‘off-road’ clubs and local farmers
Tractor + 4-weel drive - Uckfield Town Council has both
Boats
RNLI. - for inland flooding, contact via Sussex Police.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has a hard-bottomed inflatable boat and trained
swift-water personnel.
Telephones
If more telephone lines are required contact the BT Emergency Linkline via ESCC
Emergency Planning (01323 747090 or 01323 644422 out of hours)
Radio.
Raynet (Radio Amateurs Network) - contactable through East Sussex Resilience &
Emergencies Partnership
Loudhailers
Sussex Police have access to hand-held loudhailers at Uckfield.
The East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has some hand-held loudhailers and PA
systems on some of their appliances.
Uckfield Town Council has two loud hailers
Southern Gas and Southern Water and the Environment Agency have vehicles with
PA systems (contactable via east Sussex Resilience & Emergencies Partnership)
Military Aid to the Civil Community (MACC).
Activated through a Local Authority, can provide: Trained personnel, Medical facilities, Transport (both land and air), Emergency
Catering, Engineering, Communications
Red Cross Emergency Incident Support Vehicles based at:
Haywards Heath Fire Station and Hastings Fire Station.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 37 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix E: Flood Risk Summary Sheet
Community Flood Risk Summary Sheets
Note: Flood Risk information provided by the Environment Agency except ‘Surface
water flooding’ information provided by Flood Risk Team at East Sussex CC
Uckfield Community Flood Risk Summary Sheet (Wealden District)
Summary of flood risk:
River flooding
The River Uck is characterised by river channels with limited capacity and steep sided narrow floodplains which
means out of bank flow naturally occurs fairly frequently. The flood outline therefore remains largely unchanged
irrespective of flood magnitude; future changes to depth and velocity may be more of an issue in the upper areas.
Elsewhere in the catchment, the most significant flooding issue is the frequent occurrence of river flooding within
the town of Uckfield and the consequent damages.
The River Uck flows from its headwaters in the High Weald to the confluence with the River Ouse near Isfield.
Rainwater in this area runs off the steep catchments quickly and enters the River Uck where the channel cannot
cope with this amount of rainwater, therefore causing water to spill out of the riverbanks in some places. The flood
extents are relatively narrow as a result of the steep sided valleys either side of the river, however the flood
depths increase with the severity of flood event and a number of properties in and around Uckfield are affected by
fast flowing deep floodwaters.
Surface water flooding
Surface water flooding results from the occurrence of excess overland flow, this can be of significance in the
upper catchment areas where soils are poorly drained and land management can increase run-off. This problem
also occurs when a drainage system (such as highway drains and ditches) cannot cope with the volume of rainfall
causing the system to surcharge and result in flooding. This type of flooding is usually caused by intense, shortduration storms. Summer thunderstorms in particular can produce these conditions, often when ground surfaces
may be baked hard and rainfall does not initially soak into the ground and runs off causing water to build up on
the ground surface.
Surface water flooding has been identified as an issue in Uckfield (with 125 properties estimated to be at risk
during a 1 in 30 year rainfall event, and 359 at risk during a 1 in 100 year rainfall event). The impacts of surface
water flooding can be relatively low, with surface water ponding on roads, gardens and agricultural land, as well
as disruption to some transport routes. Surface water flooding can become more significant when combined with
fluvial or groundwater flooding. In particular, where groundwater levels in areas of Uckfield rise significantly during
winter months, it makes it difficult for urban drainage systems to drain adequately.
The depth and duration of surface water flooding is likely to be short lived (hours not days) with comparatively
shallow depths, unless combined with river flooding. However in areas of Uckfield, such as Church Lane and
north of Framfield Road, surface water flooding can reach up to 1.2m in depth.
The full extent and risk of surface water flooding in Uckfield is being assessed in a Surface Water Management
Plan, which will be available from April 2016.
Groundwater flooding
High groundwater levels and resultant spring flows are a source of flooding within the
catchment, however this occurs in few urban areas and so consequences are low.
History of flooding
There have been a number of major flooding events over the last century, including the 1960, 1979, 1987, 1993
and 2000 events that affected the urban areas of Uckfield.
Most recently, October 2000 was the wettest month ever recorded (369mm of rain). During the autumn a total of
728mm of rain fell. This is equivalent to 97% of the long term average rainfall for an entire year.
138 properties believed to have flooded. Major infrastructure affected the A272 at Buxted.
Surface water flooding occurred in 2007 and 2010 with extreme rainfall events exacerbated by blocked culverts
and drainage systems unable to cope with the amount of rainfall.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 38 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Fluvial Flooding:
Flood Warning Areas
Number of
properties at risk
(not including groundwater
risk)
Risk reduction
measures


Uckfield
Olives Meadow at Uckfield
% of properties
Number of
Coastal:0
that
will
receive
a
people at risk
Fluvial:146
89%
350
(properties x 2.4)
flood warning
Both:0
Total: 146

Flood wall and gates in Waitrose car park designed to reduce flooding up to a 1 in
25 event

During the winter months the alleviation boom at the mill is raised to allow greater
capacity and flow of water. During the summer months this is lowered to keep levels
high for aquatic life.
Environment Agency
Structures


Flood wall and flood gate Waitrose car park
Uckfield Roller Mill Flood Gate
Reservoir Flood Risk
Reservoir Flood Risk
Areas in the
Community (Number of

Framfield Top Lake (103 properties at risk in total;
o 77 of those in Uckfield Town Centre:

28 in sector A

1 in sector B

43 in sector C

5 in sector D
o 26 of those upstream of Uckfield Town Centre:

1 at Palehouse Common

19 at Old Common Way

6 at Eagle Close;

Framfield Lower Lake (33 properties at risk in total;
o 30 of those in Uckfield Town Centre:

12 in sector A

0 in sector B

18 in sector C

0 in sector D
o 1 of those upstream of Uckfield Town Centre:

1 At Palehouse Common
properties at risk in mapped
area)
People / infrastructure affected
Vulnerable people /

Millington Court, Mill Lane, Uckfield, TN22 5AZ
groups at risk of
flooding
Infrastructure at risk
of flooding




Uckfield Fire Station, Bell Farm Road, Uckfield, TN22 1BA
Uckfield Bus Station, Bell Walk, Uckfield, TN225DQ
Uckfield Railway Station, New Town, Uckfield, TN22 5DL
ESSO Petrol Station, Bell Farm Road, Uckfield, TN221BA
Electricity Sub Stations: 6
Potential response
Multi Agency Tactical
Coordination Centre
location
Rest centres in / to be
used by area

Uckfield Police Station, New Town, Uckfield, TN22 5DL


North of river = Uckfield Civic Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1AE (Capacity = 600)
South of river = Forester’s Hall, Harcourt Road, Uckfield, TN22 5DT (Capacity=170)
Any other information
Lead time for

Environment Agency
Flood Warnings

Version 5.0 February 2016
The Environment Agency will provide river and coastal flood warnings at least two
hours before flooding happens in areas where we are able to provide a service.
For coastal flood warnings the Environment Agency will endeavour to provide a
longer lead time.
Page 39 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix F: Traffic Management
Pre-designated road closure points.
The following pre-designated Road Closure points have been agreed between the
Sussex Police and the East Sussex County Council Highways department:a.
Road closed at this point to prevent access into the flooded sector.
A1
A2
A3
b.
Junction of A22-Uckfield bypass/B2102 Bellbrook Road.
Junction High Street/Framfield Road. B2102
Junction Church Street/High Street
Road Closed ahead – be prepared to divert.
B1
B2
B3
B4
Roundabout, Junction Lewes Road/Eastbourne Road.
Framfield – Junction The Street (B2102)/Brookhouse Lane.
Junction Church Street/Snatt’s Road.
Junction London Road/Coopers Green Road (A26)
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 40 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix G: Police Evacuation Advice and Evacuation of Premises Record
EVACUATION ADVICE
Area for Evacuation:
Reason for Evacuation:
Sussex Police consider that persons remaining within the area (or
premises within the area) are likely to be at risk of harm if they remain
here. Sussex Police have a duty of care to take all reasonable steps to
save & preserve life and seek your co-operation in evacuating the area.
Who should Evacuate
Everyone should leave the area; including pets and other animals that
are also at risk. If you have special difficulties and as a result cannot
evacuate please bring this to the attention of the person delivering
this notice or contact the following telephone number:
________________________________.
Where to Evacuate to
If you know of somewhere outside of the evacuation areas (i.e.
friends/relatives etc) please go there.
If you do not have a suitable place to go the emergency services will
arrange ‘Rest Centres’.
The Rest Centre available to you is situated at:
 Uckfield Civic Centre, TN22 1AE (01825 762774)
or
 Forester’s Hall, Harcourt Road, Uckfield TN22 5SP
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 41 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
(Evacuation Advice page 2)
What you should do
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Turn off the gas, electricity and water supplies (if it is safe to do so).
Take warm clothing, blankets, bedding and any MEDICATION you
may require.
Secure your premises.
Leave in a prompt but orderly manner.
If you are NOT going to the Rest Centre (or Assembly Point) it
would help if you provided us with your name(s), address and
telephone number of the premises you are LEAVING, and the
address and telephone number of the premises you are GOING to.
ONLY return to the area when it is safe to do so. The emergency
services will make announcements in the media when it is
considered safe.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 42 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
EVACUATION OF PREMISES RECORD
1. Name of Street / Road etc :
2. Are the premises a dwelling/or non residential
3. Number of residents, including names, living
at the address now
Adults
Children (under 16)
4. Additional Information. Do any of the residents
at this address have any of the following:
Physical impairment
Mental Impairment
Language barriers
Medical needs
other
5. Will the premises be self evacuated?
Please provide details of when this will occur
Is assistance required to evacuate the premises?
Please provide details
6. Is assistance required to evacuate the premises?
Please provide details
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 43 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
7. Has the Evacuation Advice notice been given
to the occupant?
YES/NO
8. Additional Information
Time & date form completed ……………………………………………………………
If no one is present at the address please make enquires with neighbours
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 44 of 45
Uckfield Flood Plan
Appendix H: Own organisation's procedures and actions
Action by individual organisations
Each partner agency will have its own procedures to follow and actions to take. This
space may be used to incorporate those procedures and actions to avoid the need
for separate internal plans.
Version 5.0 February 2016
Page 45 of 45