Flooding: Planning ahead and actions after a flood
Flooding can significantly impact Rugby League pitches, potentially causing game cancellations and facility damage. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your pitches and minimise the effects of flooding.
Planning ahead:
- Risk assessment of flooding: Start by identifying if your ground is at risk of flooding. You can use the Environment Agency’s flood map and get insights from locals about historical flooding incidents in your area to understand the potential risk.
- Regular maintenance of the drainage system: A well-maintained drainage system can significantly reduce the risk of flooding. Conduct regular inspections to ensure there are no blockages that could impede water flow.
- Register for flood alerts: The Environment Agency offers a free service that provides early warnings in the event of a flood. These alerts can give you valuable time to implement your flood plan and safeguard your facilities.
- Develop a club flood plan: This plan should outline the necessary actions to take in the event of a flood. Ensure all key personnel have a copy of the plan and are familiar with the steps it outlines.
- Understand your insurance coverage: Talk to your insurer about flood insurance. Understand what your policy covers and your responsibilities in the event of a claim.
- Implement a ‘Flood Resilient’ design approach: Consider ways to design your facilities to minimise flood damage. For instance, you might consider relocating expensive equipment to higher ground at the end of the season.
During a Flood Warning:
- Implement your club flood plan: Once you receive a flood warning, put your club flood plan into action immediately.
- Disconnect utilities: Turn off your gas, electricity, and water supply to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Relocate valuable items: Move valuable equipment and supplies to a safer location away from the flood risk.
- Install flood protection measures: Use sandbags and other flood protection devices to help keep water out of key areas.
- Check your insurance requirements: Each insurance company has specific requirements when a flood occurs. Check these and ensure you’re following them.
Check out this template for a club flood plan:
https://sportengland-production-files.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/club-flood-plan.docx?VersionId=mNA4pzkGpVssB7cieW.UkpHl77i8WcqP
After the flood:
- Prioritise safety: After the flood, ensure the area is safe before allowing anyone to enter. Be patient and make sure the area is cleared and declared safe by the relevant authorities.
- Contact your insurance company: Get a reference number for your claim and ensure nothing is disposed of until it has been inspected by the loss adjuster.
- Document the damage: Photos and videos can provide a clear record of the damage for your insurance claim and for planning repairs.
- Cleanup operations: Once it’s safe, you can begin cleanup operations. This might include clearing debris, assessing the damage to your facilities, and starting any necessary repairs. If the damage is significant, it may be wise to seek professional advice.
To find out more, the GMA recommend that you check out these resources developed by Sport England.
https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/sustainable-facilities-and-planning?section=dealing-with-droughts-and-floods-section
Remember:
Safety should always be your top priority. Take the time to prepare for the possibility of flooding, and always seek professional advice when necessary. With careful planning and a swift response, you can limit the impact of flooding on your rugby league pitches and get them back in use as quickly as possible.
Your Regional Pitch Advisor will be on hand to offer advice around pitch maintenance/repair after flooding and they can also visit your site if needed so make sure you reach out for help!
