GRCC has a long history of supporting communities in Gloucestershire to become more resilient against floods and other local emergencies. Two of the key ways we provide support to communities are through Flood Warden schemes and guidance on Community Emergency Planning.
GRCC recruits, supports and manages over 60 volunteer flood wardens across the county on behalf of local authorities.
Flood wardens play a key role in community resilience, working with their local parish or town council to spread awareness of flood risks within communities, signposting residents to the correct authorities, and monitoring local flooding hotspots. They act as the local flooding “eyes and ears” by updating relevant bodies about the evolving situations on the ground.
GRCC provides dedicated support to flood wardens as well as working closely with key agencies including local authorities, the Environment Agency and water companies.
If you would like to volunteer as a Flood Warden in your local area please contact cdt@grcc.org.uk to see if a scheme operates in your district.
GRCC has created a Community Emergency Planning Toolkit which acts as a simple step-by-step guide on how to create and effectively use a Community Emergency Plan. The toolkit is based on advice from the Gloucestershire Local Resilience Forum, local authorities, the emergency services, and other relevant organisations. A Community Emergency Plan is a document setting out what your community will do in an emergency to complement the response from statutory authorities. This includes setting up a place of safety and providing welfare support.
If you would like to find out more about Community Emergency Planning then please contact cdt@grcc.org.uk.
Meet Lucy Eccles, our new Community Resilience Officer
Read Lucy's series of weekly blogs for September's Preparedness Month and the Emergency Planning Society's #30Days30Ways campaign:
Gloucestershire
Quite some years ago now ... I undertook skilled (Surface Water Catchment) Flood Warden training. That training was one of the most valuable educational experiences of my life. ... This email is intended to express my appreciation, for the unique skills that GRCC Officers gave me.
Project manager
Angela Gilbert
Angela Gilbert - Community Development Team Manager