RESPONDING TO

FLOOD RISK

SURFACE WATER FLOODING CASE

STUDY REPORT

Responding to

Flood Risk

Surface water flooding

case study report

Make sure your business is prepared for flooding.

This document should be referenced as:

‘Responding to flood risk: Surface water flooding case study report’, City of London

Corporation, July 2014

Project Management

City of London Corporation – Lucy Frazer, Flood Resilience Officer

City of London Corporation

PO Box 270

Guildhall

London

EC2P 2EJ

E: sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk

W: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

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Executive Summary The City of London Adaptation Strategy (2010) identifies the climate changes that

we are expected to see in the City in the next century. These include an increased

magnitude and frequency of intense rainfall events causing flash flooding and

heavier average winter precipitation. These changes are expected to put us at a

greater risk of surface water flooding.

Surface water flooding has been highlighted as one of the most serious flooding

challenges that London will face in the future due to the lack of understanding

around this topic and inconsistent historical records. This follows intense rainfall where

the water is unable to soak into the ground or enter a drainage system.

The City of London Corporation intend to increase the resistance and resilience of

the ‘Square Mile’ to surface water flooding. The first step is to understand it better in

order to mitigate against it.

Flood resistance is the process of preventing flood waters from entering buildings

and spaces. This includes techniques such as:

Air brick covers,

Sandbags,

Flood boards,

Non-return valves,

Barriers,

Water-proofing sealant, and

The incorporation of Sustainable Urban Drainage.

Flood resilience is the process of designing buildings and spaces so that if flooding

occurs it creates minimal damage and enables rapid recover. These include

methods such as:

Understanding the risk,

Business Continuity plans (preparing and exercising these),

Keeping an eye on the weather,

Signing up to Floodline Warning Direct,

Insuring your premises,

Backing up data,

Re-locating staff,

Communicating internally to staff and externally to customers/clients,

Raising electrical equipment, and

Knowing how you would clean up your premises.

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The City of London Corporation intend to raise an awareness of surface water

flooding and how the City of London is tightly connected to its surrounding boroughs

and help organisations, businesses and critical infrastructure share knowledge to

enable others to become better prepared. This case study report consists of the City

of London and Greater London context, a series of case studies and best practice

techniques.

This case study report was developed following communication with a range of

businesses and organisations to benefit the business community so it will be more

prepared and resilient to tackle the surface water flood risk.

Contents

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Context ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Surface Water Flooding ........................................................................................... 1

1.3 City of London ........................................................................................................... 4

1.4 Greater London Context ......................................................................................... 6

1.5 Drain London ............................................................................................................. 7

1.6 Thames Tideway Tunnel ........................................................................................... 8

2 Methodology .................................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Our Intentions ............................................................................................................ 9

2.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................ 10

2.4 Study Area ............................................................................................................... 11

2.4 Study Approach ...................................................................................................... 11

2.5 Key Opportunities ................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Case Study: Transport for London (TfL) .................................................................... 13

3.2 Case Study: London Fire Brigade (LFB) .................................................................... 16

3.3 Case Study: City of London School, City of London Corporation ....................... 19

3.4 Case Study: Walbrook Wharf, City of London Corporation ................................. 21

3.5 Case Study: BT ............................................................................................................. 23

3.6 Case Study: Nomura International plc .................................................................... 25

3.7 Case Study: Greenwich Hospital .............................................................................. 28

3.8 Case Study: The Hoop and Grapes ......................................................................... 30

3.9 Case Study: Rogge Global Partners ........................................................................ 31

3.10 Case Study: Plan – Net plc ........................................................................................ 33

4 Best Practice - Resistance Measures ........................................................................... 35

5 Best Practice - Resilience Measures ............................................................................ 37

6 Historic Buildings ............................................................................................................. 41

7 Communication ............................................................................................................. 43

7.1 Keeping up to date with current alerts and warnings ...................................... 43

Environment Agency – .................................................................................................. 43

The Met Office – ............................................................................................................. 43

7.2 Flood Warning System communication – Environment Agency...................... 44

7.3 Weather warnings communication – Met Office............................................... 45

7.4 Rain Gain project .................................................................................................... 46

8 Role of the City of London Corporation ..................................................................... 47

8.1 What we have in place ......................................................................................... 47

8.2 Lead Local Flood Authority ................................................................................... 47

8.3 Security and Contingency Planning Unit ............................................................ 48

8.3 City of London Resilience Forum .......................................................................... 49

8.4 Planning Team, Department of Built Environment ............................................. 50

9 Checklist .......................................................................................................................... 51

10 Useful sources for advice and information ............................................................. 53

10.1 Publications .............................................................................................................. 53

10.2 Websites ................................................................................................................... 54

10.3 Useful Organisations ............................................................................................... 55

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1 Introduction

1.1 Context

Our climate is changing and is likely to continue to change for many years to come.

The City of London Adaptation Strategy (2010) identifies these changes, including an

increasing magnitude and frequency of intense rainfall events causing flash

flooding, and heavier average winter precipitation putting us at greater risk of

surface water flooding.

Surface water flooding has been considered as one of the most serious challenges

that London will face in the future due to the lack of understanding around the topic

and inconsistent historical records of surface water flooding. We need to understand

it better to mitigate it.

1.2 Surface Water Flooding

Surface water flooding is the most likely cause of flooding in London, rather than

river, tidal or groundwater sources. It is a risk that many urban areas experience due

to the large amount of impermeable surfaces. This type of flooding generally occurs

following an intense rainfall event where rainwater is unable to soak into the ground

or enter a drainage system. When the drainage system is overwhelmed in this way;

puddles, pools and temporary flows form. This can happen very quickly and this

magnitude and frequency are expected to increase.

Changing weather patterns as a result of climate change will also influence the

future flooding potential of the City with more intense rainfall events creating

conditions where flash flooding and overloading of the sewer network could

become more frequent.

Whilst still rare in comparison with overtopping or breaching of the Thames defenses,

surface water flooding within the City is much more probable. The consequences of

flooding in the identified areas of the City could be very damaging in terms of loss of

business, livelihoods and reputational damage and an inconvenience to occupants.

It is quite clear that the City is heavily urbanised and developed. The extent of hard

surfaces in London and other urban areas means that during periods of heavy

rainfall, surface water flooding could easily result. This not only damages property

but also affects transport and the economy in parts of London. Where property

basements are in direct connection to the sewers, surcharge within the sewer

drainage networks can often cause flooding in these locations.

The main method for removing surface runoff in the City is from the Thames Water

combined sewer drainage system. As a combined sewer network system, the

rainwater and foul sewage is served by a single sewer and the discharged overflow,

in turn, is contaminated by foul sewage.

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The ‘Bazalgette’ combined drainage system, built during the late 19th Century, was

designed to serve a smaller population than that of today. As more buildings

connect to the drainage network, its capacity to accommodate heavy rainfall

gradually reduces. The drainage network that serves the City has wide catchments

extending throughout Camden to the north (Figure 1) and as far as Hammersmith

and Fulham to the west (Figure 2). With more people living in closer proximities, it is

likely that flooding will have a greater impact.

Figure 1. Map showing the flood risk catchment area for Farringdon Street

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Figure 2. Catchment areas for flood risk in the Paul's Walk area

The combination of climate change, increased urbanisation and a growing

population is placing pressure onto the system reduce the drainage network’s

capacity. On its own, local action to reduce the risk is unlikely to be effective. It is

impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of flooding occurring. Thus, an

importance element of flood preparedness is the implementation of measures to

provide resistance, preventing flood waters entering properties and flood resilience

enabling rapid recovery in the event of flooding. Emergency planning provides the

assurance that in the event of flooding procedures are in place to respond

effectively.

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1.3 City of London

The City of London, or the ‘Square Mile’ as it is more commonly known, is the centre

from which the rest of London grew. It is located between the London Boroughs of

Islington and Hackney to the north, London Borough of Tower Hamlets to the east,

the River Thames to the south and the London Boroughs of Westminster and

Camden to the west.

The City is at relatively low risk of flooding with specific areas at some risk from tidal

flooding and surface water flooding. The risk from surface water flooding is confined

to restricted areas of the City including the former Fleet Valley at Farringdon Street

and the Thames Riverside, which can be seen in Figure 3. However the

consequences of flooding in these parts of the City would be high in terms of

disruption and damage. Although this risk is low, existing areas will become more

vulnerable over the coming century.

Figure 3. Areas at risk of surface water flooding

Historically, the River Fleet and the River Walbrook, two natural watercourses, once

flowed through the Square Mile and used to confluence with the River Thames. Both

rivers have been canalised and incorporated into the drainage system.

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Through this underground system the City of London receives flows from

neighbouring boroughs, as seen in Figure 1 and 2. The catchment served by the

sewer network, shown in Figure 4, indicates that development in the upstream

boroughs such as Camden, Islington, Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and

Hammersmith and Fulham could have a significant impact on flood risk within the

City. It is necessary to manage surface water run- off adequately.

Figure 4. The catchments serving the City’s sewer system

1.3.1 Historical Flooding

There is some evidence on record of surface water flooding having impacted the

City of London in the past. However, past flooding is not necessarily a good indicator

of future flood risk. This is partly due to historic flooding not having previously been

subject to organised recording and thus events may have occurred which were not

recorded. Secondly, even where historical flooding is not known, the situation is likely

to change in the future due to the ramifications of climate change.

1.3.2 Future Urbanisation and Development

The City of London’s growth strategy is set out in the City’s Core Strategy (2011). This

outlines an increase in offices by 1.15million square meters, retail by 136 thousand

square meters and housing by 1,647 properties over the lifetime of the plan (2028).

The London Plan sets a revised target of 110 homes per year for the City in the period

2011-2021.

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The City of London Local Plan (2013) consists of the Core Strategy and the

Supplementary Planning Guidance. As a planning document, it sets out a spatial

framework for how the City of London Corporation and other stakeholders want to

see the City of London to develop in the years leading to 2026 and beyond. The

Core Strategy notes that climate change adaptation is an ‘imperative’ in order to

reduce these impacts (Policy CS15). In addition, the Policy CS18: Flood Risk section

indicates how the City must continue to develop with consideration of flood risk. It

must be noted that planning for climate resilience is an ongoing process requiring

constant and sustained local stakeholder involvement.

Plans for further urbanisation and change of land use within the City will present a

challenge to the current drainage system but also the opportunity to address and

manage surface water flood risk associated with the drainage network. Thus current

action must be focused on resistance and resilience measures to lower the impacts

that surface water flooding will construct. The development of guidance and

recommendations for the sustainable long term management of surface water

flood risk in the City are crucial for maintaining its supremacy.

1.4 Greater London Context

The Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority (GLA) recognise the

challenges associated with the impacts of flooding to London.

1.4.1 The Local Plan

The London Plan (2011) is the overall

strategic plan for London, and it sets out a

fully integrated economic, environmental,

transport and social framework for the

development capital to 2031. Policy 5.12

addresses flood risk issues and Policy 5.13

addresses sustainable urban drainage

systems (SuDS). This promotes further

emphasis on flood resilience measures, the

implementation of SuDS techniques and an

increased coordination between planning

and emergency planning. The London Plan

(2011) also requires developments to follow

certain measures and utilise SuDS, unless

there are practical reasons for not doing

so.

1.4.2 Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

Surface water flooding is not only a key element of the much broader London Plan

but also the Mayor’s Climate Change Adaption Strategy (2011). The Strategy sets

out actions and policies to help understand the risk, adapt to and mitigate against

the impacts of climate change (including surface water flooding). Both the Climate

Sustainable Urban Design Systems

(SuDS) are an alternative to traditional

approaches to managing runoff from

buildings.

By mimicking natural drainage systems,

they reduce or delay the amount of

water discharged into the drainage

system.

They can also attenuate surface water

runoff, encourage recharge of

groundwater, provide amenity and

wildlife enhancements, and can protect

water quality by employing pollutant

trapping and degradation processes.

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Change Adaptation Strategy and the London Plan encourage the use of green

roofs, planting and walls and soft landscaping.

1.4.3. The Sustainable Design and Construction: Draft Supplementary Planning

Guidance

The Sustainable Design and Construction: Draft

Supplementary Planning Guidance (2014)

supports developers, local planning authorities

and neighbourhoods to achieve sustainable

development. It provides guidance on how to

achieve the London Plan objectives effectively

by setting clear targets and highlights efficient

ways to reach these targets. In order to combat

surface water flooding challenges the use of

SuDS is suggested. It also recognises that multi-

storey basements have been excavated to form

part of commercial building developments. The

Mayor’s best practice is for basement

developments to consider local geological or

hydrological issues and drainage or flooding

problems that could happen.

1.5 Drain London

The Mayor of London and the GLA set up a partnership group in 2007 with other key

organisations responsible for managing surface water flood risk and drainage assets,

called the Drain London Forum. This brings together the GLA, 33 London boroughs,

London Councils, the Environment Agency, Transport for London, Thames Water and

other agencies in London with drainage responsibilities to address surface water

flooding issues. The main driver is the lack of knowledge about the surface water

flooding risk coupled with the expectation that the risk is likely to worsen with climate

change.

The Drain London project is helping to manage and reduce the surface water

flooding risk in London by identifying the areas that are at greatest risk of flooding

and ameliorating the public awareness of the risk. The Forum also intends to help

boroughs with their responsibilities for managing flood risk by sharing good practice,

knowledge and expertise.

Consequently, London as a city will be better equipped to deal with surface water

flooding. The Drain London project plans to assure that each London borough will

have a Surface Water Management plan containing the Preliminary Flood Risk

Assessment and Flood Risk Management Plan, both being requirements under the

Flood Water Management Act (2010).

Basements

…are vulnerable to all forms of

flooding because of their

underground location

…their development reduces

ground infiltration capacity,

which can increase local surface

water runoff

…surface water flooding

generally flows downwards into

basements first

…it is useful to have the building’s

power source elsewhere to the

basement

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1.6 Thames Tideway Tunnel

Bazalgette's Victorian sewerage network, built in the 1860s, is the foundation of

London's sewage system today. It is no longer fit for purpose and it cannot keep up

with current demand. Notably, with the system running out of capacity, this situation

exacerbates the surface water flooding situation during heavy rainfall. This system

also spills millions of tonnes of sewage into the tidal section of the River Thames every

year.

Thames Water have designed the Thames Tideway

Tunnel, a new major sewer to protect the river from

increasing pollution for at least the next 100 years. The

overflow will be diverted to the tunnel rather than the

river. This will also enable the UK to meet European

environmental standards.

The Tunnel will be a 25 kilometre inception, storage and transfer tunnel starting in

west London and continues to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works. This will run 65

metres below the river. The main tunnelling work is anticipated to start in 2016, and

construction will take more than 5 years.

It must be noted that the development of the Thames Tideway Tunnel will not

negate the surface water flooding risk in the City. The drainage system will continue

to be overwhelmed when heavy rainfall incidents take place in the City. Even if this

project were to 'fix' the problem, the project is not due to commence until 2016. The

surface water flooding problem needs to be addressed and actioned now.

Once in operation, the

Thames Tideway Tunnel

will reduce sewage

related litter entering the

River Thames by 90%.

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2 Methodology

2.1 Our Intentions

The City’s flood risks must be considered strategically since flood risks are associated

with catchments which extend well beyond the City’s boundaries. Surface water

flooding has long been poorly understood, mapped and recorded. The City of

London Corporation aims to ensure that the ‘Square Mile’ remains a location for

companies to ‘do business’ and provide their services at ease as they continue to

build resilience against the risk of surface water flooding.

2.1.1 The City of London Corporation research

The City of London Corporation commissioned research into high level mitigation

measures, in 2012, to could reduce the risk of surface water and sewer flooding.

Initial assessments carried out according to the Environment Agency’s requirements

for funding identified that local mitigation projects would be ineffective in

preventing surface water flooding. Projects would need to cover the wider area

which covers much of Camden to the north and extends into Westminster,

Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham to the west. In the surface

water flood risk hotspots, the alleviation of flooding impacts would require extensive

retrofitting. The cost of such widespread intervention would far outweigh the benefits

and therefore would not be eligible for Environment Agency funding.

The current economic climate means that high cost solutions can only be afforded

for the most vulnerable sites, making it necessary to identify areas most at risk and to

inform public authorities, agencies and owners of vulnerable properties about the

risks they may face. Adaptation options are currently being identified for the high

priority risk areas. This involves a combination of engineering works and in a more

sustainable approach to rainwater management will be taken, by more closely

mimicking natural systems.

2.5.2 Flood resistance and resilience project

With the assistance of a Drain London grant, the City of London Corporation

decided to invest resources into a Flood Resilience Officer looking to reduce the

impact of surface water flooding in the City. The Officer’s main focus is to work on a

‘flood resistance and resilience project’. This project has taken place over the past

year, with several stages, which includes the development of online resources

available on the City of London Corporate website, hosting a ‘Flood Risk Briefing’

and the creation of this case study report. Each stage is looking to improve the

overall understanding of flooding; helping to assure a thorough preparedness and

assist with recovery, enabling normal activities to be resumed promptly.

London is a ‘system of systems’. Creating a greater resilience to flooding provides an

increased resilience as a whole. Actions taken to mitigate against and adapt to

surface water flood risk can also provide wider beneficial effects. Many measures in

this case study review can also help businesses, organisations and individuals against

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other risks and challenges. For example increasing the amount of greenery, i.e.

green roofs, can absorb rainwater, but also cool buildings to combat increased

temperatures and reduce energy use for air conditioning. Secondary data centres

keep networks backed up during power outages which can be caused by not only

surface water flooding, but also terrorism threats and energy problems. Preparing for

surface water flooding can also prepare a company against a plethora of risks and

challenges.

Ultimately, our motivation is to ‘support and promote the City as the world leader in

international finance and business services and provide local services and policing

for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile’.

2.5.2 Case study report

As climate change adds a degree of uncertainty to the flood risk, new thinking is

required for long term flood risk management. Creating a series of case studies can

assist with the preparation and recovery of flooding. The case studies can be

employed as a tool, and describe what a variety of businesses and organisations

feel they do well to protect themselves from the effects of flooding.

It is recognised that in some cases there are no specific measures that can be taken

to reduce the likelihood of flooding. Understanding how the climate interacts with

the built environment is crucial in understanding and identifying these risks. Thus in

these cases the focus will be on preparing those so that they can best cope and

recover from the effects. The main aim of this report is to reduce the impact of

flooding.

A best practice briefing note will be produced to accompany this case study report.

2.2 Objectives

Through the development of the

project, coordinated by the Flood

Resilience Officer, the City of

London Corporation intends to

increase the resistance and

resilience of the City to surface

water flooding with a sequence of

measures.

The following objectives and outcomes were identified for the study:

- Increasing the resilience of the City of London to surface water flooding;

- Encourage the uptake and incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems

(SuDS) into new and existing buildings in the flood risk hotspot areas;

- Ensure that development proposals minimise water use and reduce pressure

on the combined surface water and sewerage network that serves the City;

Flood resistance is the process of preventing

flood waters from entering buildings and spaces.

Flood resilience is the process of designing

buildings and spaces so that if flooding occurs it

creates minimal damage and enables rapid

recovery.

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- Work together with neighbouring boroughs, the GLA, Thames Water and the

Environment Agency;

- Take best practice recommendations from each case study; and

- Communicate and share knowledge to businesses, developers, residents and

visitors of the Square Mile.

2.4 Study Area

Figure 5 identifies the surface water flooding hotspots within the City of London –

Farringdon Street, New Bridge Street, Victoria Embankment and St Paul’s Walk /

Thames Riverside. These hotspots make up the study area for the case study report.

Figure 5. Surface water flooding zones

2.4 Study Approach

The detailed maps produced by Halcrow for the City of London Strategic Flood Risk

Assessment (2012) highlight the surface water flood risk hotspots. After connecting

these maps with City Occupiers Data (COD) using Geographical Information

Systems (GIS) software, it was possible to pinpoint specific business premises for the

report.

Producing this case study report involved communication with a range of businesses.

It is necessary to provide advice that encompasses varying needs as each business

sector has different priorities, daily services and concerns. This report captures

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resistance and resilience measures from case studies and general information about

these techniques which will apply to multiple sectors.

Key opportunities following this research include raising the general awareness

around surface water flooding and the risk in the City; sharing knowledge amongst

the business community; and creating a document full of best practice techniques.

This, in turn, will benefit the business community to be more prepared and resilient in

one way or another to tackle the surface water flood risk challenge in their field.

2.5 Key Opportunities

2.5.1 Raising an awareness

Raising an awareness of how the City of London is tightly connected with its

surrounding boroughs is fundamental to the success of this research. It is crucial to

understand the complex nature of flooding and how it does not have regard for

political and administrative boundaries. Actions in one borough will have knock-on

effects in other boroughs. The sewers serving the City of London have wide

catchments extending throughout Camden to the north (Section 1.2, Figure 1) and

as far as Hammersmith and Fulham to the west (Section 1.2, Figure 2).

2.5.2 Sharing knowledge

Local authorities, organisations, businesses and critical infrastructure all have

different perceptions of risk and different methods of addressing their own resilience

and resistance in the light of the challenges associated with surface water flooding.

This report provides a unique insight into what businesses located in the surface

water flood risk hotspot area do well to protect them and demonstrates the

synergies between the different organisations’ techniques. It also presents

adaptation measures, general guidance and resilience methods which will help

organisations be better prepared and provides a unique opportunity to learn from

others.

Communicating with businesses located in the Square Mile has also provided the

opportunity for questions to be posed around the other services that the City of

London Corporation offers.

2.5.3 Best practice

Understanding how businesses protect their properties well can assist with best

practice techniques. Learning from colleagues and neighbouring businesses is a

forward thinking, long term approach to managing risk and increasing resilience.

Flood risk management faces the challenge of a changing climate which will alter

patterns and frequencies of rainfall inundation. It is always valuable knowing about

current risks and current best practice techniques. Sadly not all risks can be

prevented, but being prepared is simple. This can reduce the impact of surface

water flooding and enable a prompt recovery to lower the financial ramifications.

Pre-emptive action is always cheaper and more effective than reaction.

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3.1.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Flood barriers

Flood barriers are used at the front of stations to divert the

worst of the water away from the underground station

entrance. They act as a board blocking and preventing

water entering. However, it is acknowledged that some

water will still enter the station and this is pumped away.

Flood barriers are part of the design standards across the

network.

Flood gates

Heavy steal flood gates are generally only fitted at the

tunnels close to the River Thames, which applies to both

Cannon Street and Blackfriars. These can be slid into place

either electronically or manually when required. Flood

gates are part of the design standards across the network.

Pumps

London Underground (LU) have pumps prepared and

ready for the prospect of surface water may entering the

facility. A significant amount of water would travel down to

the track, so pumping the water out is essential.

Continuous testing for alternative techniques

TfL are keen to try out different equipment to see its

suitability for their needs. TfL Emergency Unit have

previously tried and tested the use of flood sacks during

flooding events. However, these had a tendency to float

away during intense rainfall so flood sacks are not used at

TfL stations.

Location

Cannon Street Station is

located on Cannon Street

in the City of London.

Blackfriars Station spans the

River Thames a short

distance downstream from

Blackfriars Bridge in the City

of London.

Use

Transport for London (TfL) is

responsible for most

aspects of the transport

system in Greater London.

Cannon Street Station and

Blackfriars Station are both

connected London

Underground stations and

central London railway

terminus. This case study is

only looking at the London

Underground aspect of the

two stations managed by

TfL and the railway services

are managed by Network

Rail. Over 1 billion journeys

are made each year on

the underground. These

facilities are regularly

referred to as critical

infrastructure.

Case Study

3.1 Transport for London (TfL)

Cannon Street Underground Station and Blackfriars

Underground Station

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Local Plans Line Plans TfL Plans

Submarine doors

Conductor rooms are found below ground floor level. The rooms are fitted with

submarine- tight doors to prevent water ingress.

3.1.2 What they are doing to increase resilience of the building?

Business continuity plans

Each station has a list of actions to follow during a flooding event. These tasks enable

TfL to recover promptly after an incident. The actions are mirrored and fed into the

Network Emergency Plans, which can be seen from the diagram below.

Figure 6. Illustrates how the local plans feed into the Network Emergency Plans

With the measures set in place, both Cannon Street and Blackfriars underground

stations should be back to normal within 48 hours of a surface water flooding

incident.

Station operator

The station operator makes a lot of the decisions using their own personal

judgement. Messages from communication provided from weather measurement

techniques and an understanding of the business continuity plans will assist with the

station operators’ decision making process.

Members of the public in the station

The first action following surface water flooding ingress is to get citizens out of the

station and away from any danger. London Underground staff regularly participate

in station evacuation drills followed by a debriefing session to allow for

improvements. These procedures have established and exercised the roles and

responsibilities of staff during station evacuation.

Members of public en route

When the water is below the conductor rails the trains can continue through the

station but people will not be let on or off the train at the affected station. At this

stage the trains are able to keep moving, creating less disruption at the station.

However, when the water reaches the threshold of the conductor rails trains, will not

be able to enter the station.

Power supply

Each underground station has an isolated electricity supply, thus if one is damaged

another can remain active with the separate supply. This also means that if any

15

electrical equipment is affected by water ingress, the public supply will not be

impacted.

Each station has an online battery inverter, allowing essential services to continue to

run for up to 8 hours and critical safety services for up to 24 hours.

Switch room

Station switch rooms are found at ground floor level. They can be accessed through

a step entrance. No electrical equipment is found at ground level. It has been

estimated that all electrical equipment would be safe until over a metre of water

enters the room.

Re-location of staff

TfL currently has 11 lines serving 270 stations which can provide locations for work in

the event of the loss of any of its stations. There is also plenty of office space at its

headquarters and various other offices if required.

Communication of messages

London Underground and TfL have the ability broadcast messages to a wide

audience. They can do this using a variety of communication systems at stations,

either on the platforms themselves or on the roads (bus stops, visual motorway signs).

Weather monitoring and communication

TfL have a bespoke method of monitoring the weather. Using information provided

by the Environment Agency, the Met Office and Meteor Group (contracted

company), they monitor, measure and analyse track temperatures and the rate of

rainfall.

Learning from previous experiences

Another underground site has previously experienced the worst case of water

ingress. A 36 inch burst water main caused chaos in the station. This incident has

enabled TfL to strengthen their Business Continuity plans and look into further

resistance measures to keep the water out of all stations.

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3.2.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Emergency equipment – pumps and sandbags

During a flooding

incident the London

Fire Brigade (LFB) have

the power to utilise

emergency equipment

owned by the LFB and

the Environment

Agency to protect their

facilities. They have

access to hose kits

(used as a boom), and

4m long pumps to

pump water away from the facility.

Each station has a reserve stock of 40 sandbags. There is

potential to have access to more from other fire stations.

They would be used to prevent water entering through the

main doors at the front of the building.

Basement level

The basement level is not particularly deep in relation to

street level topography. The construction design indirectly

reduces the risk of the basement to surface water flooding.

Water flooding at ground level outside is same as the

basement level inside of the building.

3.2.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Business continuity plans

Business continuity plans are relate to the entire

organisation and are not site specific. Actions are filtered

down to the station by the LFB Emergency Planning Team.

Location The Dowgate Station is

located on Upper

Thames Street in

between Allhallows Lane

and Angel Lane in the

City of London.

Use London Fire Brigade is

based at this building.

This facility is classified as

critical infrastructure. The

services include fire

incident response (fire

engines, pump ladder

and on site

accommodation for on-

duty firemen) and the

fire investigation for the

entire of London

(computers with special

software installed – for

photo uploads, five fire

investigation vans, two

dogs and their kennels).

Case Study

3.2 London Fire Brigade (LFB)

Dowgate Fire Station, 94-95 Upper Thames Street

17

Secondary data centres

Secondary data centres are located in a different LFB facility, which can allow

mobile working if a surface water flooding incident were to affect the building.

Communication

Dowgate Fire Station would be informed by the LFB Emergency Planning Team

about the weather forecast and if it looks like a surface water flooding incident

would occur in the area. This team receive regular updates from the Met Office and

the Environment Agency and this weather information is filtered down from the

Emergency Planning Team to specific sites.

Power supply and back-up generator

The plant room, servers and communication equipment are located in the

basement and this can be raised a further meter in the event of surface water

flooding.

The back-up generator is located around 30cm above ground floor in the back

yard. This can be used to power critical information, mobilise equipment and pump

their water supply.

Re-location of staff

Employees can re-locate to other fire station until the building is available again.

During a surface water flooding event the dog kennels would be also affected, so

the two dogs would stay at their owners’ homes. This reduces the number of LFB staff

in the office, but would not significantly affect the critical services as the dogs can

be brought to incidents from there.

Re-location of critical services

The pan London fire investigation can continue at the LFB headquarters at Union

Street. Some computers have the required software installed.

Fire engines and fire investigation vans can re-locate to other stations around

London.

Communication equipment

The majority of the communication equipment such as printers, radios and data

equipment is mobile and can be picked up and utilised outside of the fire station.

These are crucial pieces of equipment during fire incidents.

Wider community

During City Business Engagement days, the LFB encourages businesses to have

pumps located in their basements. They should be a consideration for both Fire Risk

Assessments and Flood Risk Assessments.

As an organisation, the LFB own multiple high volume pumps for national resilience.

These pumps are coordinated from the office in Merton and can be allocated

nationwide, for example the recent floods in Dorset where vast quantities of

18

equipment was transferred to the area to assist with the incident. These pumps have

the ability to pump water far away from an incident, e.g. into the next valley.

19

3.3.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Emergency equipment

If surface water enters the

site, the school have

access to an electric

waste water sump pump.

Basement level

The basement level is not

particularly deep in

relation to street level

topography. The construction design indirectly increases

the resistance of the basement to the risk of surface water

flooding. Water flooding at ground level outside is same as

the basement level inside of the building.

3.3.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Business continuity plans

The City of London School have Business continuity plans

which are exercised and reviewed on a regular basis.

Evacuation measures

The Health and Safety Policy explains in detail the

evacuation procedures for each area of the school. These

plans have been devised to be followed during a variety of

incidents, and can be employed during a flooding event.

There are three different evacuation points.

The evacuation procedures include specific plans for the

evacuation method of disabled individuals. From certain

areas of the school, it is possible to leave the building

without steps or by low steps.

Location The City of London

School is located on

Queen Victoria Street

next to the Millennium

Bridge in the City of

London.

Use The City of London

School is an

independent school for

boys aged 10- 18. The

school’s facilities include

a library, a separate

bookshop, a theatre, a

drama studio, music

practice rooms, a fully-

equipped gymnasium, a

sports hall, three squash

courts and a swimming

pool.

Case Study

3.3 City of London School, City of London Corporation

Queen Victoria Street

20

Plans for evacuation have also been tailored for a need during break times, class

change and public exams.

Communication to parents

The City of London School believes it is vital that there are adequate channels of

communication to keep parents (and boys) informed of developments during any

crisis. The Department for Children Schools and Families guidelines point out that, in

preparation for certain incidents, Schools must ensure they have current contact

details available: telephone numbers, addresses, email etc. The City of London

School contacts all parents on a regular basis to check and amend details currently

kept on SIMS.

A reminder about the Schoolcomms facility is sent to all parents. Communication to

parents can be through:

Schoolcomms (text messaging and email);

the website;

telephone;

letter; and

the public address system (for those in the building).

Children working from home

The City of London School have plans in place to provide parents with school work

for the students to complete at home if for any reason they cannot get to the

School or the School must remain closed.

Secondary data system

The computer network is backed up on a daily basis. At the end of every working

day the information is sent over to the City of London which is then forwarded to a

secondary data system. This is a similar system to other London Councils.

Weather monitoring and communication of actions

The School looks to the City of London for information about the weather. They have

also signed up to the 24 hour warning system provided by the Environment Agency –

Floodline Warning Direct – so they are informed of any flooding risk. This information is

subsequently communicated out to students and their parents with the

communication methods as mentioned previously.

Generator

In the event that surface water flooding may affect the power supply. There is a

back – up generator located outside of the main building the car park area which

can be used.

Flood alarm – ‘drain surcharge’

There is a ‘”flood alarm” entitled drain surcharge in the controls panel at high level in

one of the plant rooms. This alarm is linked to a sensor in the drains in Bennett’s Hill.

This can be used as a method of monitoring the drain levels around the area.

21

3.4.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Emergency

equipment

In Walbrook Wharf,

there is an

underground service

duct which can be

converted to pump

water back out into

the drainage system.

If water were to enter

the basement of the

site, this can be utilised to pump the water out when the

drainage system is less overwhelmed. This technique has

previously been successful in pumping water out of the

building.

The contractors based in the building also have pumps

which the Facilities Manager would access.

Recreation area – plant pots

There is a recreation area on the top of the offices. This is a

paved area with some plant pots and plants, the plant

pots act in a similar manner to a green roof. Markedly, the

amount of water that could infiltrate through the soil will be

lower than the volume draining through a green roof.

Regular drain clearing

Once a week, Amey Enterprise jet and clear the internal

and external drains. This removes build-up in the drainage

system from tree leaves and other types of litter to prevent

blockages.

Location Walbrook Wharf is

located on Upper

Thames Street adjacent

to Cannon Street Station

in the City of London.

Use Walbrook Wharf is an

operating freight wharf

owned by the City of

London and operated

by Cory Environmental

and Amey Enterprise.

The rest of the building is

used for office space for

a the following

departments –

Department of the

Built Environment

MITIE (Contractor)

Chamberlain’s

Coroner

City Surveyors

Markets

Consumer Public

Protection

TSI

Police Licensing and

GMB

On site facilities include

office space, welfare

facilities, a gym and a

waste transfer station.

Case Study

3.4 Walbrook Wharf, City of London Corporation

Upper Thames Street

22

Cleaning regime

The drainage system is checked for leakages on a regular basis. This helps prepare

for times when the drainage system is overwhelmed to prevent water entry.

3.4.2 What they are doing to increase resilience of the building?

Business continuity plans

Each department located in Walbrook Wharf oversea their own business continuity

operations, but regularly work together to collate one overall business continuity

plan for the building.

Departmental table top exercises

In October 2013, the City of London Corporation’s Security and Contingency

Planning Unit facilitated a department-wide surface water flooding table-top

exercise. This took place to provide departments an opportunity to explore their own

emergency response and business continuity arrangements. Delegates were asked

to play as if the surface water flooding event was taking place in real time,

contacting the relevant colleagues in their own department. This exercise allowed

the different departments (minus the contractors) think about how they would react

to a surface water flooding incident.

Secondary Data Centre

Part of the City of London Corporation’s recovery strategy includes the recovery of

data at a physical location. Data is also backed up on a daily basis in the local

network.

Re-location of staff

In the event of the loss of Walbrook Wharf, employees can either work from home or

move to office space at another City of London Corporation building such as the

Guildhall.

The cleansing operations, the responsibility of Amey Enterprise, would use the

facilities at the London Borough of Ealing.

The waste disposal services, the responsibility of Cory Environmental, have plans to

use another depot.

Re-location of critical services

For waste collection and deposition, other waste transfer stations in Greater London

can be used. Environmental Health and the City of London Police vehicles would be

moved and stored in another location.

Facilities Manager

The Facilities Manager and his team make a lot of decisions with personal

judgement and previous experience, for example moving equipment away from

vulnerable locations. Communication with the Security and Contingency Planning

team assist the Facilities Manager with the decision making process.

23

3.5.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Submarine door

The cooling system at the site draws water from the River

Thames. When there is a risk of flooding, a flood protection

door can be shut at any moment – the door is very similar

to a submarine compartment metal door.

Emergency equipment

BT have pump arrangements if surface water were to enter

the facility. BT also have the capacity to protect the key

parts of the building using sandbags.

3.5.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Business continuity plans

Business continuity plans are relate to the entire

organisation and actions are filtered down to the specific

sites. The exact plan of action will depend on how serious

the incident is. Regular tests take place to exercise the

plans that are in place.

Generator

In the event of power outages, there is a stand-by diesel

generator which can be utilised at any moment in time.

Re-location of critical services

There are emergency processes in place to keep

telecommunication networks running. Critical services

would be located to alternative sites, outside of Central

London.

Re-location of staff

Systems and procedures are in place to allow a safe

evacuation from buildings.

Location Baynard House is

situated on Queen

Victoria Street in the

Blackfriars area of the

City of London.

Use BT Group plc occupies

Baynard House. BT is a

multinational

telecommunication

services company. This

building is an

operational site.

Case Study

3.5 BT

Baynard House, Queen Victoria Street

24

If Baynard House were to become inaccessible, there are procedures in place for

staff to work from home or to work at another office site. As a large company, they

have other facilities which can provide workspace positions in the event of loss of

any of its office locations.

‘Gas, Fire and Flood Protection System’

There is a ‘Gas, Fire and Flood Protection System’ in each BT building. Once the

signal has been activated (by either gas, fire or a flood) it sends a ‘remote signal’ to

the helpdesk. This helpdesk is situated in the Integrated Management Centre

located outside of London. This helpdesk sends an engineer over to the scene to

investigate. Following the investigation the engineer liaises with the helpdesk to

inform them on what needs to be sent to the BT site/ needs to be done to solve the

problem.

Learn from previous experiences

A key BT site in Central London experienced a major mains water flood in 2010. This

affected a number of key infrastructure services in and around Central London. This

incident has enabled BT to strengthen their Business Continuity plans and look to the

use of further resistance measures.

25

3.6.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Emergency equipment

Nomura have sandbags which they would use to prevent

water entering the most vulnerable areas of the building.

If water were to enter the building, Nomura have sumps

and mobile pumps to get the water out of the building.

Green Roof

A green roof has been

installed on the main

roof of One Angel

Lane. This is comprised

of sedum and

photovoltaic panels.

The other two roofs are

landscaped grassed

terraces.

Rainwater Harvesting

Nomura have a grey water and rainwater water combined

system providing 100% of water for toilet flushing on the first

five floors of the eleven floor building. The grey water from

showers and hand basins is filtered, disinfected and

recycled. The rainwater passes through a leaf filter then

joins the grey water in the 18,000 litre post-treatment tank.

This reduces their consumption of water, but also reduces

the amount of water entering the City of London’s

combined drainage system.

Planters

There are planters which can soak rainwater away. These

reduce the build-up of water in the area following heavy

rainfall, allowing the rainwater to infiltrate relieves

overburdened drain water systems.

Location One Angel Lane is

located on a site that

fronts the river Thames

between Cannon Street

station and London

Bridge.

Use Nomura International plc

is located at One Angel

Lane. Nomura is a

financial services

company, with

brokerage, investment

banking and asset

management

specifically at this

building. The building’s

facilities include offices,

meeting rooms, a

trading floor, a

restaurant with a private

dining area, a canteen,

a 210 seater auditorium

and a fully equipped

gym.

The building has won a

number of awards for its

design and small

environment footprint.

Case Study

3.6 Nomura International plc

One Angel Lane (formerly Watermark Place)

26

Employee involvement

Nomura proactively supports

businesses that contribute to social and

environmental issues through financial

mechanisms. Employees are heavily

involved in helping the local

environment. They are currently

growing vegetables on one of the

terraces and assist with maintaining the

green roof. ‘For Future Generations’

has been formulated as a key focus

area among all executive officers and

employees.

3.6.2 What they are doing to increase resilience of the building?

Business Continuity Plans

Nomura employs a Business Continuity Management (BCM) team to oversee its

business continuity operations in London and its other offices in Europe, Middle East

and Africa in liaison with all areas of its business. Regular liaison is maintained with

regional teams to ensure a consistent approach. These plans are updated on a

quarterly basis to ensure they are up-to-date.

The BCM team are responsible for ensuring that each department conduct the

following activities on at least an annual basis:

Business Impact Analysis

Testing of Critical Applications

Update of Technical Procedures

Testing of Recovery Positions

Call Cascade Test

Agreements have been made to ensure that an acceptable minimum level of

service can be maintained throughout a pandemic. Department plans are

constantly evolving to enable critical functions to continue to operate via various

social-distancing measures. To strengthen plans, departments are also required to

regularly test various scenarios to ensure they can continue providing key services.

Flood Risk Assessment (Planning Policy Guidance Note 25) – Understanding the risk

Waterman Burrow Crocker was commissioned by UBS Global Asset Management to

undertake a Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 (PPG25) assessment of the flood risk

to the proposed development at 90 Upper Thames Street (One Angel Lane). Surface

water runoff has been acknowledged in this report, which has been described as

being attenuated through the provision of sedum and green roofs, and the grey

water recycling system. The PPG25 also discusses the flooding risk from the

27

combined sewer drainage system, with the man-entry sewers situated along Upper

Thames Street and Angel Passage.

Re-location of staff

Nomura uses a combination of its own sites in London and an out of town (including

Farnborough and St Martin’s-le-Grand) and third party disaster recovery facilities to

provide workspace positions if either of its office locations were to be lost. Following

an incident this can be up and running in one working day.

Nomura have invested in several precautionary measures such as enhanced home-

working and the development of human resources systems to capture critical

information.

Secondary data centre

Part of Nomura’s recovery strategy for its London operations includes the recovery of

all critical infrastructure and applications at its out of town dual production data

centres. Critical data is replicated in real time between data centres to ensure its

availability in the event of a failure. These are located in a triangulated manner in

Woking, Redhill and London.

Generator

One Angel Lane has a back-up system which can be operated if the flood water

were to affect the other sources of power.

Supply chain

Nomura undertake a periodic review of arrangements for critical third parties (e.g.

suppliers, agents, exchanges) to ensure adequate contingency.

28

3.7.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

The building is not owned or maintained by Greenwich

Hospital, so the responsibility for the resistance measures

falls to the landlord and/or property owner.

This case study can demonstrate how organisations and

companies can help themselves by being prepared if

flood water were to enter the building a few floors below.

Although the water may not enter the floor that Greenwich

Hospital occupy, the floors below could be affected which

make the building as a whole inaccessible or create power

outages.

3.7.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Business Continuity plans

Greenwich Hospital have Business Continuity plans which

relate to the specific site.

Re-location of staff

If the office were to become inaccessible there is an

alternative physical location where key staff can work.

There is also the facility to log on to the virtual network from

home using corporate laptops and netbooks.

Archive

The archives are located off-site.

IT support and secondary data system

The organisation has IT support which maintains the

secondary data system.

Location Greenwich Hospital

occupies the 2nd floor of

the Gate House. This

property is located on

Farringdon Street in the

Ludgate Hill area of the

City of London.

Use The Greenwich Hospital

foundation provides

charitable support for

serving and retired

personnel of the Royal

Navy and Royal Marines

and their dependants.

The organisation funds

sheltered housing and

education at the Royal

Hospital Schools.

The charity’s head office

is located at this site. This

is where the bursaries

and grants are assessed

and the recipients are

given support through

the staff located at this

office.

12 staff members are at

the site.

Case Study

3.7 Greenwich Hospital

Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, 2nd Floor

29

Redirect mail

Critical functions rely on the postal service to receive original copies of certificates to

progress with support and grants. If employees could not work on site, either

electronic copies of papers and certificates would be accepted or the post would

be redirected using a courier. Accepting electronic copies would also enable

services to continue if the postal service were to be disrupted by the impacts of

surface water flooding. Both these techniques would enable Greenwich Hospital’s

critical services to continue.

30

3.8.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Sandbags

Since visiting this property the business owner has looked

into purchasing sandbags in the event of surface water

flooding to prevent water ingress, particularly through the

front door.

Electric pump

The landlord of the property has a pump located in the

basement. There has previously been some water ingress

from drain blockage where this pump has successfully

managed to pump the water out of the property.

3.8.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Staff agreement

An agreement exists between the business owner and the

employees that in the event of an incident where the pub

is inaccessible, such as flooding, they would take leave.

Insurance

The manager has taken out business and contents

insurance on the property which also incorporates business

interruption insurance. This covers businesses for losses

resulting from a business contingency incident.

Stock

In the event of a flood warning stock is moved away from

floor level. The kitchen is currently located in the basement,

so this is an essential precaution to make.

Location The Hoop & Grapes is

located on Farringdon

Street close to Harp Alley

in the City of London.

Use The Hoop & Grapes is an

English Inn serving food,

alcoholic beverages

and soft drinks.

Its facilities include a

function room, a beer

garden, a balcony, and

a games room.

This is a small business

comprising of a small

number of staff.

Case Study

3.8 The Hoop and Grapes

80 Farringdon Street

31

3.9.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

Relationship with English Heritage

As the building is a Grade II Listed building, planning

permission is required for any change to the building.

Rogge Global Partners have a close relationship with

English Heritage from previously working together to create

a couple of documents. However, they are still restricted

with what can be implemented.

Sandbags

Rogge Global Partners have sandbags on site to prevent

water entering the site at ground floor level.

Pump

Rogge Global Partners have access to wet and dry

vacuum machines to pump flood water out of the building.

Regular drain clearing

On an annual basis, as part of Rogge Global Partners’

‘protective maintenance’ strategy, the internal and

external drains are jetted and cleared. This removes build-

up in the drainage system from tree leaves and other types

of litter.

Flood barriers

The doorframes in the

basements have the

capacity to manually slot

metal plates into them.

These are water tight and

prevent water ingress into

the rooms where the

servers, power and

communication

equipment is located.

Location This Grade II Listed

building is located on

Victoria Embankment

between John

Carpenter Street and

Carmelite Street in the

City of London.

Use Rogge Global Partners is

one of the longest

established specialist

fixed income managers

in the industry. From this

site they offer a broad

spectrum of fixed

income products,

tailored to clients’

specific requirements

and objectives.

This is a medium sized

company with a small

number of staff based at

the UK office.

Case Study

3.9 Rogge Global Partners

Sion Hall, 56 Victoria Embankment

32

3.9.2 What they are doing to increase resilience of the building?

Business Continuity plans

Rogge Global Partners have business continuity plans which cover a variety of

threats and risks, including flooding. Every 6 months these plans are tested and

exercised.

Protocols are in place for engineers to turn off the electric supply as soon as possible

to prevent any further problems on site.

Close relationship with neighbours

To assist with the evacuation process Rogge Global Partners work with their

neighbour companies. They evacuate together rather than in isolation and this can

assure a safe and secure evacuation for each site.

Re-location of staff

If the office were to become inaccessible there is a disaster recovery site where key

members of staff could relocate, which is walking distance away from Sion Hall.

There is also the capability to work from home.

Secondary Data Centres

There is an off-site physical location where all data is mimicked.

Understanding the risk

Rogge Global Partners understand that there is a surface water flooding risk for this

site. They are adopting measures which can prevent water from entering the site but

also if the water were to enter how the business can continue with their critical

functions. Fire, terrorism and flooding are seen as the highest risks to shut the building

down.

Learn from previous experiences

The Sion Hall site has previously experienced water ingress in the lower floors of the

property. This has enabled Rogge Global Partners to strengthen their Business

Continuity plans and look to the use of further resistance and resilience measures.

Weather

The business has registered Sion Hall on the Floodline Warning Direct service

provided by the Environment Agency. They also regularly keep an eye on the

weather to know what may affect the area.

Replacement for original features

Rogge Global Partners have an Italian supplier for the original marble mosaic tiles. In

the event that surface water flooding would affect the building they can replace

the mosaic tiles.

33

3.10.1 What they are doing to increase resistance

of the building?

The building is not owned or maintained by Plan-Net plc, so

the responsibility for the resistance measures falls to the

landlord and/or property owner.

This case study can again demonstrate how organisations

and companies can help themselves by being prepared if

flood water were to enter the building a few floors below.

Although the water may not enter the offices that Plan-Net

plc occupy, the floors below could be affected which

make the building as a whole inaccessible.

Building design

The design of the building protects it from the impacts of

surface water flooding. The ground floor level is raised from

street level by several steps. This limits its vulnerability to

surface water flooding from entering the building at

ground floor level.

3.10.2 What they are doing to increase resilience

of the building?

Business Continuity plans

The business has thorough Business Continuity plans which

relate to the site. Regular tests take place to exercise the

plans that are in place. There is a company focus to ensure

resilience is maintained and to be prepared.

Re-location of staff

As a customer focused business, the majority of the 260

staff that Plan-Net plc employ work at client sites. In the

event that Hamilton House is inaccessible these employees

can continue to work on site and most of the services

would still be provided during this situation.

Location Hamilton House is

located on Victoria

Embankment on the

corner of Temple

Avenue in the City of

London.

Use Plan-Net plc provide IT

solutions to small and

large organisations. Their

services cover a number

of proven engagement

models tailored to each

individual client.

There are 50- 60 staff

based at these offices.

Case Study

3.10 Plan – Net plc

Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue, 3rd Floor

34

Staff based at Hamilton House, provide the IT support system. There is a disaster

recovery site which can be up and running in a couple of hours. This particular site

has been chosen for it size and location.

There is also the option to work from home with remote access to the network.

Secondary data centre

The data is backed up and replicated in a physical location, different to the disaster

recovery site, to ensure its availability in the event of a failure.

Learn from previous experiences

The site has previously experienced power outages which have similar ramifications

to the effects of surface water flooding. This incident has enabled Plan-Net plc to

strengthen their Business Continuity plans and look to the use of further resilience

measures.

35

Air brick covers

Specially designed covers can easily be placed over

ventilation bricks to prevent water entering the premises.

The ‘SMART’ airbrick with ‘Fit and Forget’ technology acts

as a standard airbrick. The rising water is used to

automatically shut off, and does not require external

power to operate. Inhibiting water access through the

airbricks and thus into the property. No pre flood

intervention is required.

Sandbags

Sandbags are a traditional method to keep water out of

the building. There are also modern alternatives, these can

absorb up to 200 times their weight in water and are made

from superabsorbent materials.

Flood Boards

Purpose built flood boards or temporary door strips/seals

can be installed when flooding is expected. These raise

door thresholds and can prevent shallow water entering.

Non-return valves

Installing non-return

valves to drains and

water inlet and outlet

pipes can prevent

wastewater from flowing

back into the property

through sewerage pipes

for ground floor toilets

and sinks. In addition,

relatively inexpensive

toilet bungs and seals

are also available to

protect against sewage backflow.

Resistance

Measures …is the process of

preventing flood waters

from entering buildings

and spaces.

Use These can be applied to

a range of sites, of

varying sizes and sectors.

Most of these techniques

are transferrable and

can be used during

multiple incidents.

Best Practice

4 Resistance Measures

Where can I find these products?

‘The Blue Pages’ directory on the

National Flood Forum’s website is an

independent directory of products,

builders, suppliers and insurers.

The British Standards Institution (BSI)

maintains a list of all manufacturers of

flood protection products that have

been tested and achieved Kitemark

accreditation.

36

Barriers

Businesses can work together with neighbours to

build a single barrier around several buildings. This

helps to split the cost and benefits. Contact the

Environment Agency to seek permission to do

this.

Water-proofing sealant

Applying water-proofing sealant to exterior walls

can help prevent water ingress.

Adding more green on the ground

There are ground level opportunities to landscape the areas around the building to

help divert water away from the premises or make your garden more permeable to

allow water to drain away naturally. A variety of methods can help reduce the

ramifications of heavy rainfall events, including the creation of land which can retain

water, the use of green walls, introducing lines of street trees, raising plant beds into

‘rain gardens’, and reclaiming unused paved areas to convert into pocket parks.

Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS) techniques

SuDS techniques, such as green roofs, green walls, permeable pavement and

rainwater attenuation tanks, can assist with the

surface water flooding risk. These offer an alternative

to traditional approaches for managing runoff from

buildings.

In a climate, where hotter and drier summers are

expected, the incorporation of adaptation measures

is becoming more important to contribute to water

efficiency. These measures would also help with

water resource management through rainwater

harvesting and reuse which reduces the level of

rainwater entering the drainage network thus

reducing the potential for sewer discharges.

Some SuDS techniques can capture, or harvest,

rainwater which can then be used for functions that

do not require treated water, such as flushing toilets and irrigation. Using methods

such as green roofs, recreational roofs, wildflower blankets and green walls can

replace some of the evaporative cooling lost through urbanisation.

Well-designed SuDS create better places to work, live, visit and play.

Is it fit for purpose?

When purchasing a flood

product, check that it has

been properly tested and is up

to the job. The product should

display the BSI Kitemark or

equivalent accreditation for

the national quality standard

PAS 118.

SuDS techniques…

…assist with the impacts of

climate change

…provide benefits to the

community

…encourage the design of

attractive public open spaces

…create habitats that boost

biodiversity

…create better, cleaner and

greener urban environments

37

Understanding the risk

Knowing if your business is at risk is the first

step towards understanding what

impacts your business may experience.

The City of London Strategic Flood Risk

Assessment (2012) provides the most up-

to-date information regarding the risks

the City faces from tidal, surface water,

sewer and groundwater flooding. Also by

typing your premises’ postcode into the

Environment Agency maps you can find

out quickly and easily if the property is at

risk of flooding. The City of London

Corporation flood risk web pages

provide advice and direct you to useful

information.

Business Continuity plans

Business continuity should be a concept followed by

businesses and companies of any size. It is the case of taking

responsibility and giving it every chance to thrive and

succeed.

Understanding your business, devising strategies and

recording these strategies into plans will enable you to trade

through a disruption and recover afterwards.

These Plans provide managers with up-to-date information

and step-by-step guidance on how best to respond to a

range of disruptive situations that would, if not addressed,

lead to the failure of the service. Key products and services

need to be focused on to assure the important things that a

business produces or delivers can keep running during a

disruption.

Resilience

Measures … is the process of

designing buildings and

spaces so that if flooding

occurs it creates minimal

damage and enables

rapid recovery.

Use These can be applied to

a range of sites, of

varying sizes and sectors.

Most of these techniques

are transferrable and

can be used during

multiple incidents.

Best Practice

5 Resilience Measures

Preparing for a

flooding incident in

advance can

enable businesses to

save between 20

and 90 percent on

the cost of lost stock

and movable

equipment.

A flood plan can also

prevent some of the

trouble and stress

associated with such

an event.

38

Prepare a flood plan

This can complement business continuity plans. This is a written document that

outlines how your business will respond to a flood, including a list of steps you will

take in case of a flood and the order in which you would take them in. This is a

sensible location for copies of your floor plans, insurance, and purchase of flood

products. Useful inclusions are a list of important contacts (Floodline, building

services, suppliers and evacuation contacts for staff), a description or map showing

key property and a checklist of procedures that can be accessed quickly by staff.

This plan should be reviewed and updated regularly.

Plans

Keep electronic and hard copies of the plans in different locations.

Review the business continuity plans

Update the business continuity plans on a regular basis, at least annually or as

required. It is necessary to regularly update and review risks, to ensure that the

business continuity plans remain relevant to the current threats and dangers. You

can use the risk register to find out what they are.

Testing of business continuity plans

Regular scenario testing should take place; infrastructure and people. They allow the

business to ensure that their services will still be deliverable during a variety of

incidents and everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes.

Keeping an eye on the weather

Using the techniques in Section 7 can allow businesses to be prepared and

implement temporary resistance measures to their premises.

Floodline Warnings Direct

Signing up to this free Environment Agency service provides flood warnings by

phone, text message or email for particular premises.

Insurance

Insure your building against flooding. Look at the clauses to ensure that the premises

is properly covered. Keep your insurance details and policies in a separate location.

Back up data

The key is to have more than one copy. Keep these at different locations so they are

not both destroyed during the same incident.

Regularly back-up your computer files separate from the office site. Full robust

remote computing systems can be provided at a low cost.

The ‘cloud’ network

Working on the cloud which allows remote working and assures that the data is

backed up in the event of an emergency.

39

Disaster Recovery site - Office space

Office space can be rented in other locations for the physical relocation of staff

when company offices are inoperable/ inaccessible. This can enable the normal

functions of departments to carry on as far as it is possible. It is useful to consider its

location; whether key staff members can relocate and whether the business is willing

to pay for a nearby hotel for employees.

‘Buddying up’

Smaller companies can ‘buddy up’. This where companies, organisations and

charities of a similar size ‘buddy up’. If an incident were to happen and prevent your

company from working in your office you can head over to their facilities and vice

versa if they cannot get into their office.

Communication internally

Effective internal communication is always important, especially during an

emergency. Having a phone number for staff to dial into to listen to automated

information can inform staff about the incident, provide guidance to staff and help

to keep the employees safe.

Some companies have a system which allows them to contact all of their staff in the

space of 5 minutes, via email or text.

Staff welfare – ‘are you ok’ feature

It is obvious that merely contacting staff does not always ensure their safety. Some

companies have incorporated a ‘are you ok’ feature into the mass communication.

This feature can capture responses by getting staff to respond by the keypad, i.e. 1 –

I’m fine, 2 – I need help, and the feature can reply tailored to the response.

Communication – web page

A web site which is accessible externally supplies staff and the general public with

information about the situation / incident.

Storing valuables

Store valuables, important documents and stock above the predicted flood level.

Items that companies have identified as necessary, to allow them to continue

performing their critical functions following a disaster, can be stored off-site.

Floors

Replace carpets with tiles and rugs as carpets often need to be replaced after a

flood, which is an expensive activity.

Raising electrical equipment

Raising electrical sockets, fuse boxes, controls, wiring and home entertainment to at

least above 1.5 metres above floor level.

40

Pumps

A variety of pumps with differing levels of suction are available to remove the water

from flooding basements and other areas of properties.

Clean up

The Department for Communities and Local Government published Guidance and

standards for drying flood damaged buildings in 2010. This guidance report provides

recommendations and details processes involved in drying flooded buildings.

Emergency contacts

Have a list of contacts with your business continuity plans that will be needed during

an emergency.

41

6 Historic Buildings

The City is the historic core from which London developed. The area contains many

great buildings and areas of historic and architectural importance. The City’s surface

water flood risk zone include areas of Temples, Whitefriars and Fleet Street

conservation areas and 60 listed buildings and structures, which can be seen in

Figure 7.

Figure 7. Conservation areas and listed buildings with the surface water flood risk

A flood-protection survey combined with a flood-

risk assessment can establish what the

appropriate form of protection is worth

considering. This survey considered which parts of

the building are significant and vulnerable.

Some flood-protection works may require listed-

building consent from the local planning

authority.

English Heritage published their Flooding and Historic Buildings report in 2007 which

provides advice on preventative measures as well as on the inspection,

conservation and repair of historic buildings after flooding.

Flood resistance adaptation

measures must be tailored to

specific properties – no one size fits

all. Purpose-made solutions can be

incorporated more sensitively into

older buildings. This includes

watertight doors, articulated

hinges, rubber compression seals.

42

Examples of flood resistance measures for historical buildings are detailed below.

However these can easily be transferred over to modern buildings.

Maintenance and Recording

Effective maintenance is a key part of flood

resistance in older buildings. Basic actions such as

sealing gaps around pipes that penetrate

external walls will help during flooding events.

Temporary barriers

Temporary flood barriers can be erected, either

round the building or fitted into the building itself. Interlocking barriers can prevent

water reaching the building and the weight of the floodwater can anchor the

barrier. Large storage areas are required for techniques such as these.

Temporary boards

These can be fitted to exterior doorways or window openings can raise the threshold

against rising water. Fixings must be discreet and compatible with older properties. –

Add photos here

Bagged barriers

Sandbags are a useful resource, they provided effective protection against minor

flooding. They need to be carefully laid and well stamped down so that the upper

bags mould into those below. Alternatives include ultra-lightweight highly

expandable bagged materials.

Permanent actions

Permanent barriers include using:

- bunding,

- flood walls,

- flood gates,

- additional drainage ditches,

- built-up front doorstep,

- partially tanked lower-ground-floor

elevation, or

- sealing gaps and holes around windows

and doors frames

Care needs to be taken to sensitive surroundings

or archaeology.

Maintain a comprehensive

photographic record of the

building (internally and

externally).

This is a valuable resource in the

event of repairs being needed.

Historic buildings are not only at

risk from flood damage but also

damage from inappropriate

remedial works.

Quite often like-for-like

replacement is not carried out

when repair works are put in

hand, the use of unsuitable

materials and the disposal of

significant finishes and

fittings.

Damage can often result from

rapid artificial drying

methods that are not correctly

controlled.

43

7 Communication

7.1 Keeping up to date with current alerts and warnings

There are many sources of information for the public to keep a watch on current

alerts and weather warnings.

In the event of a possible flooding incident, the Environment Agency and the Met

Office provide a suite of services to communicate forecasts and broadcast up-to-

date information to the public.

When the situation becomes a cause of concern for ground, property and life, flood

alerts and warnings will be broadcasted on local media (television, radio and the

internet).

Environment Agency –

Floodline Warning Direct – is a free 24 hour flood warning service, where

individuals can register their properties. City

Businesses are encouraged to sign up to this

service. You can opt to receive a warning by

telephone, text or email.

Three-day Flood Risk Forecast

Live Flood Warning map

Flood warnings summary page

The Met Office –

National Severe Weather Warnings page

The front page of the Met Office website provides

detailed weather forecasts and there is a link to the

EA Flood warnings summary page -

Weather Observation Website (WOW) – is a hub for

UK weather observations. This service allows anyone

to submit their own weather data, anywhere in the

world. These observations provide individuals with a

source of real-time information.

Being prepared is crucial. A combination of these services can provide enough time

for temporary flood protection measures to be put in place.

Environment Agency

work to create better

places for people,

wildlife and sustainable

development.

The Met Office is a

world leading weather

and climate service.

They generate

forecasts 24 hours a

day, 365 days a year.

44

7.2 Flood Warning System communication – Environment Agency

A flood alert is issued more than 24 hours prior to when the event is forecasted to

occur.

A flood warning is issued less than 24 hours prior to when the event is forecasted to

occur.

Warnings are generally issued within working hours allowing businesses to construct

temporary barriers. A Severe Flood Warning will only ever be issued when there is

significant risk to life and significant disruption to communities.

The EA Flood Warning System provides warning codes which can be seen in Figure 8.

Warning Code Meaning

Flooding is possible. Be prepared

The impact on the ground will be flooding to roads,

gardens, fields, recreation grounds, etc. Detail included with

each Flood Alert will indicate the likelihood of escalating to

Flood Warning.

Flooding is Expected. Immediate action required

Impacts on the ground will be flooding to homes and

businesses, infrastructure (roads / underground stations /

utilities etc.) which will have a major impact. Expect

significant transport disruption and a high level of local

media interest.

Severe Flooding. Danger to life

Impacts on the ground include deep and fast flowing

water, potential collapse of structures, critical resources

disabled, large towns/communities isolated, large volumes

of evacuees. Expect significant transport disruption and a

high level of local and national media interest.

These are only issued in exceptional circumstances and are

likely to only be issued once a certain level of flooding has

already occurred.

Flood Alert / Flood

Warning / Severe Flood

Warning, no longer in

force

(No icon)

The flood alert / warning / severe flood warning is no longer

in force for this area.

Used to inform that the situation is improving.

Even when a Flood Warning or a Severe Flood Warning is

removed it may still mean that there are flooded properties,

damaged infrastructure and standing water where flooding

has occurred.

Figure 8. Environmental Agency Flood Warning icons

45

7.3 Weather warnings communication – Met Office

The Met Office issue warnings for rain, snow, wind, fog and ice. These warnings are

given a colour depending on a combination of both the likelihood of the event

happening and the impact the conditions may have. This can be seen in Figure 9.

No Severe

Weather

Be Aware Be

Prepared

Take

Action

Figure 9. Met Office weather warnings

What the colours mean

Yellow: Be aware. Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could

affect you

Amber: Be prepared. There is an increased likelihood of bad weather affecting you.

Red: Take action. Extreme weather is expected. Red means you should take action

now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the weather.

The basic message associated with each warning level is:

High likelihood – you may need to take action as we are expecting… there will be…

Medium likelihood – you should be prepared for… there is likely to be…

Low – be aware of the potential/possibility… there is a small chance of…

Very low – be aware that there is a small risk of…

Please Note… The Met Office weather warnings

combine likelihood and impact.

Figure 10. Met Office weather warnings

tick box

Impact

Lik

elih

oo

d

X

For example, a yellow weather

warning can indicate a medium

likelihood of a low impact event

AND a low likelihood of a high

impact event. These events have

the same warning, but would result

in very different incidents.

Please take the time to check

exactly where the tick is located,

see Figure 10.

46

7.4 Rain Gain project

The RainGain project recognises that urban areas in North-Western Europe are

especially vulnerable to the problems associated with poor water management. This

is due to their high population densities and high concentration of industrial and

infrastructural assets.

Reliable data for analysis and predictions on rainfall events at an urban scale is

crucial to make cities more resilient to local rainfall-induced floods and surface

water flooding. The RainGain project is currently piloting different weather radar

techniques in four cities (Leuven, London, Paris and Rotterdam). This data should be

able to be applied in flood prediction models to improve fine-scale measurements.

47

8 Role of the City of London Corporation

As a local authority the City of London play a number of roles within the Square Mile

building resistance and resilience against surface water flooding, and also during a

flooding incident.

8.1 What we have in place

The City of London Strategic Flood Risk Assessment provides the most up-to-date

information regarding the risks the City faces from river, tidal, surface water, sewer

and groundwater flooding.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy identifies the approach the City of London is

taking to the flood risks that affect the City and the actions that are underway or

planned to reduce these risks.

Multi- Agency Flood Plan covers the background and procedures for a multi-

agency response to a flood incident in the City of London.

8.2 Lead Local Flood Authority

As a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the City of London has a number of key

responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act, which are:

Leadership and Partnership: LLFAs are required to take the lead in managing

local flood risk. Other organisations hold valuable local knowledge and

expertise so LLFAs work in partnership with them, or in some cases agree to

delegate authority, to make full use of all capabilities and local experience.

The LLFA is encouraged to bring together all relevant bodies to help manage

flood risk in its area.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy: The LLFA must develop, maintain,

apply and monitor a strategy for managing local flood risk in its area.

Investigating Flood Incidents: When flooding occurs in its area, the LLFA must

investigate and publish the results, and notify any relevant risk management

authorities.

Asset Register: The LLFA has a duty to maintain a register of structures or

features which are likely to have a significant effect on flood risk in its area.

The register must be available for inspection at all times.

Designation Powers: LLFAs, district councils, internal drainage boards and the

Environment Agency are given powers to designate structures and features

that are relied upon for flooding.

Works Powers: LLFAs have the power to do work to manage flood risk from

surface runoff or groundwater. Other authorities must consider the LLFA and

the local flood risk management strategy when carrying out works to manage

surface water, groundwater or ordinary watercourses.

48

SuDS Approving Body: LLFAs are the SuDS Approving Body, which strengthens

planning and maintenance of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

Developers will be required to have their drainage proposal approved by the

Approving Body before they can commence construction. The SuDS

Approving Body will also be responsible for adopting and maintaining SuDS

which serve more than one property.

8.3 Security and Contingency Planning Unit

The City of London Corporation provides services to assist businesses and the

residential community in preparing for potentially disruptive incidents.

8.3.1 Support for City Businesses and Residents

The City’s Security and Contingency Planning Unit can support City businesses in

developing and exercising business

continuity and emergency plans.

City businesses are encouraged to

produce and regularly test their own

business continuity and emergency

response plans. For organisations

based within the City boundary there

is no charge for these services.

Further information about accessing support from the City of London’s Security and

Contingency Planning team can be found on their webpages.

8.3.2 Warning and Informing

The City of London is a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act and

is responsible for warning and informing the public.

City Businesses are encouraged by the City’s Security and Contingency Planning

team to utilise the communication tools previously mentioned in Section 7,

particularly the EA’s Floodline Warning Direct service, and to keep up to date with

local and national media during any major incident.

The joint EA/Met Office Flood Forecasting Centre produces a Flood Guidance

Statement (FGS) which provides a daily flood risk assessment for Category 1 and 2

responders to assist with tactical planning decisions. In addition, the Met Office

Advisor (Civil Contingencies) issues a specific update for London confirming the

likelihood of disruption to the City of London Security and Contingency Team. Once

making a strategic assessment of the information received, the Security and

Contingency Planning team then can pass messages down to City Businesses via

the London Resilience Forum (see Section 8.3 below).

The City Property Advisory Team have a database, where it is possible to mass email

all contacts when a message needs to get to each business in the City.

Contact the Unit:

- Email:

contingency.planning@cityoflondon.gov.uk

- Webpage:

- Twitter - @sqmresilience

Broken link

49

8.3.3 During an event

In the event of a flooding incident, the City will work together with other agencies

including the emergency services and neighbouring Local Authorities to respond as

set out within the Multi-Agency Flood Plan and the City’s Emergency Management

Plan.

If flood warnings given by the EA are relevant to the City, the Security and

Contingency Planning team will contact the Town Clerk, relevant Chief Officer, and

any other internal staff as necessary. Tried and tested arrangements are already set

in place for multi-agency communication in the Borough Emergency Co-ordination

Centre (BECC). Communication will be via a range of methods, including the mobile

network, landlines and AIRWAVE radio and vocal messaging. Communication from

the BECC to City businesses during an incident will be via email messages, the City of

London website and social media.

During major incidents, the City of London may open a Business Information Centre

(BIC), affected businesses will be encouraged to visit, where they can receive

assistance with matters such as relocation, cordon access and advice. The opening

of a BIC will be communicated via The City’s established warning and informing

methods. Copies of the BIC plan will be available in the BECC. Moreover, plans are

in place for Estate Managers to assist vulnerable persons during an emergency.

8.3 City of London Resilience Forum

The City of London Resilience Forum is part of The

London Resilience Partnership, which meets on a

quarterly basis and is chaired by the Contingency

Planning Manager and deputy chaired by a

Contingency Planning Officer. The London

Resilience Partnership first came together in 2002

to provide a mechanism for greater multi-agency

cooperation in planning for, and responding to

large scale emergencies.

The City of London Resilience Forum is a multi-

agency partnership that combines emergency

responders (police, utilities, transport, health

protection, port health) and representatives of

each key business sectors within the Square Mile.

These organisations work together and share

information on how they plan for emergencies

and other impactful events. The Forum consists of

emergency responders as well as representatives

from City businesses.

The aim of the Forum is to improve communications between emergency

responders and the Square Mile’s business community, increasing productivity in

Sector Representatives

Securities and Investment

Banking

Retail Banking

Markets and Exchanges

Insurance and Reinsurance

Disaster Recovery Providers

Property/ Facilities Management

Security Providers

Construction

Health and Safety

Legal Services

Professional Services

Environment Agency

Visitor Attractions and Museums

Travel and Tourism Services

Retail

Night Time Economy

Hotels

Federation of Small Businesses

London Chamber of Commerce

50

case of a real life emergency that requires smooth coordination from all emergency

responders.

Where a message needs to be relayed to all the businesses within the Square Mile,

for example a severe weather warning, the Security and Contingency Planning

team can use this Forum as a reactive tool to communicate information. Each

sector representative has their own bespoke mechanism to communicate out to

their group.

If you wish to know how to get in touch with your sector representative get in touch

with the City of London Corporation’s Security and Contingency Planning Team.

8.4 Planning Team, Department of Built Environment

The City of London Corporation has a responsibility to ensure that new development

does not place future occupants at unacceptable risk from flooding. The City

Corporation applies its planning policy to avoid locating vulnerable uses such as

basement dwellings in areas that are at risk of flooding. Developers are encouraged

to use SuDS, such as the use of green roofs and green walls, as they have been

recognised as a prevention strategy to reduce the amount of water discharged into

the drainage systems.

As part of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010), the City of London

Corporation will become a SuDS Approving Body (SAB). Their two main roles are

SuDS evaluation and approval and SuDS adoption and maintenance (SuDS serving

more than one property). SABs must approve drainage proposals for all new

domestic and commercial developments and redevelopments before construction

can start. The proposed drainage system must meet the new National Standards for

Sustainable Drainage covering design, construction, operation and maintenance.

These standards will apply to domestic and commercial developments and

redevelopments which require approval by the SAB. They will set out guiding

principles that will help developers and local authorities.

51

9 Checklist This checklist summarises the main resistance and resilience measures that should be

considered with the surface water flooding risk.

The Risk √

Could surface water flooding affect your premises, directly or indirectly?

Refer to the City of London Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2012) to find out

about the risk

Use the Environment Agency maps by typing the premises' postcode to find

out if there is a risk

What can I do?

Have you thought about resistance measures to prevent water entering the property

(temporary and permanent measures)?

Air brick covers

Sandbags

Flood boards

Flood barriers

Non- return valves

Water- proof sealant

Where can I find these products?

The Blue Pages directory on the National Flood Forum's website

British Standards Institution

Have you thought about employing Sustainable Urban Design techniques?

Green Roofs

Living walls

Recreation roofs

Rainwater harvesting

Permeable paving

Pocket parks

Have you included surface water flooding/any type of flooding in your business

continuity plans?

Do you regularly test these plans?

Do you update and review these plans regularly, or as appropriate?

Do you keep copies of plans in a different location?

Do you check the weather regularly?

Environment Agency

Met Office

Local Media (television, radio)

Are you signed up to Floodline Warning Direct?

52

Is your business' data backed up?

Do you regularly back-up your computer files separate from the office site?

Are you on the 'cloud' network system?

Do you have access to a disaster recovery site?

During a flooding event

Do your staff and colleagues know how to act safely?

Are there evacuation plans in place?

Do staff know what to do?

Do you have measures in place to communicate internally to staff and

externally to customers?

Safety Measures

Avoid contaminated flood water

Do not walk in moving water

Do not touch electrical equipment

After an event

How will your critical business services continue?

Do you have measures in place for staff re-location?

Can staff work remotely or from home?

Do you have access to a disaster recovery site or another companies’ office

('buddying up')

Have you thought about what to do/ where to go for cleansing of the business

premises?

53

10 Useful sources for advice and information

10.1 Publications

City of London Core Strategy Development Plan (2011), City of London Corporation

City of London Draft Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (2014), City of London

Corporation

City of London Local Plan (2013), City of London Corporation

City of London Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2012), City of London Corporation

Flooding and Historic Buildings (2007), English Heritage

Guidance and standards for drying flood damaged buildings (2010), Department for

Communities and Local Government

Managing Risks and Increasing Resilience: The Mayor’s Climate Change Adaptation

Strategy (2011) Greater London Authority

The National Adaptation Programme: Making the country resilient to a changing

climate (2014), HM Government

(2009) Environment Agency, available at:

Rising to the Challenge: The City of London Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

(2010), City of London Corporation

The London Plan: Spatial Development Strategy for Greater London (2011), Greater

London Authority

The Sustainable Design and Construction: Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance

(2014), Greater London Authority

Would your business stay afloat? A guide to preparing your business for flooding,

Environment Agency

Broken link

54

10.2 Websites

City of London Corporation Flood Risk webpages

Drain London

London Prepared

London Climate Change Partnership

London Risk Register

National Flood Forum

National Flood Forum

Public Health England – Flooding

Red Cross- Prepare for floods and flooding

Thames Tideway Tunnel

UK Climate Projections

Broken link

55

10.3 Useful Organisations

Associate of Building Engineers (ABE)

Building Research Establishment (BRE)

British Hydrological Society

British Standards Institution (BSI)

Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA)

Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)

Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

Electrical Safety Council (ESC)

Institute of Conservation (ICON)

Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

Institution of Structural Engineers

The UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP)

UK Resilience

56

Further information on the City of London

Corporation:

City of London

PO Box 270

Guildhall

London

EC2P 2EJ

sustainability@cityoflondon.gov.uk

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk