Flood risk for caravan parks

Many caravan parks feature water as one of their attractions; whether it is the sea, a lake or a river. From paddling and building sandcastles to fishing and sailing; activities in, on and around the water are very popular and provide hours of fun and relaxation to many caravan owners up and down the country.

But what you might not realise is that there are around 1,500 caravan and camping sites at risk from flooding from rivers or the sea. We have all seen on the TV the devastating effect of flood water on homes and lives, so spare some time to get yourself familiar with the risks at your Park and what to do if the worst happens.

Your Park will have a comprehensive flood plan which includes details of what to do in the event of a flood. This will include details on informing the emergency services, risk triggers and areas of hazard, evacuation procedures, assembly points, location of equipment and materials such as sand bags. The Plan also details the recovery and clean-up process.

Just having a flood plan in place is not enough, Parks need to make sure the staff understand the plan and are trained to carry it out. So if you notice your Sales Office staff donning wellies and shouting ‘flood’ on a dry sunny day, they are probably testing the plan.

The Park is also responsible for making sure all the owners are aware of the flood plan and giving every owner or visitor details of evacuation procedures, assembly points and flood warning information signs. Check your Park information pack to see if you have those details – and make sure you read them. And if you don’t – ask why not and demand to see them.

The Environment Agency’s advice in the event of a flood warning is:
Gather your family and leave the caravan
Report to your assembly point
Do not walk or drive through floodwater – 6 inches of water can knock you off your feet, two feet can float your car!

Stay dry this winter.