Flooding is becoming a major concern for social housing providers throughout the UK; this is not only due to the immediate damage to properties but also the long-term operational disruptions it brings. Among the different types of flooding, surface flooding (also known as surface water flooding) occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems. This type of flooding can happen anywhere, especially in urban areas where the surfaces are concrete, and water can’t naturally soak into the ground.
Rachel Brisley, in her article “Bracing the UK for Rising Flood Risk” explains that surface water flooding puts many residential properties at risk and accounts for 63% of flooding incidents in the UK.
Despite the availability of flood warnings, there is a notable gap in detailed knowledge, particularly concerning surface water flooding. Current flood warnings are mainly focused on larger river systems and coastal areas, leaving surface water flooding largely unaddressed. It does not account for local conditions leading to surface water flooding and often providers have to rely on weather forecasts and guess work.
In response to these challenges, Previsico has developed the Flood Intel Platform that provides real-time data. It uses various data sources, like local rainfall forecasts, sensor-based water levels, and hydrological monitoring, accurately measuring water flow in different areas to help optimise response efforts. This means business continuity planners within housing associations can use this real-time data to anticipate and respond to flooding risks. They can anticipate problems, mitigate for the flood risks, protect people and property and minimise disruptions.
Founded by Dr. Dapeng Yu and Dr Avi Baruch, Previsico came about from two decades of research at Loughborough University. Since its launch in January 2019, the new flood prediction technology backed by Foresight Group has gained recognition and has been included in various insurance plans, including flood risk management services from Zurich Municipal. Other insurance companies are also starting to offer this technology in their plans. It is recommended that organisations check with their insurance providers to confirm if Previsico’s platform is covered in their policy.
What can you do ?
Previsico’s real-time surface water flood warning service has made business continuity planning more effective as it provides actionable alerts at property level, up to 48 hours in advance. This helps social housing providers to use scare resources efficiently, and effectively manage the risks associated with surface water flooding. Here is how to use the surface flooding alert in a scenario of surface flooding:
In advance, when setting up the system: consider your high-risk areas and set up the appropriate monitoring systems
- 48-hour alert: review your business continuity plans, prioritise inspections in identified risk areas.
- 24-hour alert: mobilise your emergency response team to prepare for potential impacts and ensure all resources are in place.
- 12-hour alert: engage with residents about potential risks, safety measures and available support.
- 6-hour alert: implement emergency protocols such as evacuations if necessary and ensure that emergency supplies are ready for distribution.
Creating a strong business continuity plan with systems and processes to ensure that essential functions can continue during and after a disruptive event is essential, to effectively manage the risks associated with surface water flooding, social housing providers should consider the following strategies as part of their business continuity plans.
- Remember to evaluate building conditions, drainage systems, and proximity to water to assess flood risk. Collaborate with local authorities and review historical flooding data to identify vulnerable properties and residents. Consider flood-proofing doors, raised electrical systems, and purchasing items like bottled water, blankets, generators, or water pumps to reduce flood damage.
- Create an action plan for vulnerable properties or people, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, resource allocation, and the impact of potential site shutdowns; conduct regular flood drills; and ensure staff are trained to respond to different warning levels. Verify communication methods and have a backup system in place. Review and update the business continuity plan annually or after significant flood events.
At the BDA, we understand the complexities social housing providers face in maintaining continuity during flooding events. Our tailored Business Continuity Plan (BCP) services are designed to help providers navigate these challenges effectively.
We invite you to join our free Business Continuity Group for social housing providers to collaborate, share best practices, and gain insights into effective business continuity strategies. We regularly host sessions with expert speakers, providing a great opportunity to learn from them and your peers about innovative strategies and approaches to improve organisational resilience. To join, please contact the BDA at enquires@boardagency.org.uk.