Simon McCarthy

Risk communication in emergency response to a simulated extreme flood

Abstract Risk communication in flood incident management can be improved through developing hydrometeorological and engineering models used as tools for communicating risk between scientists and emergency management professionals. A range of such models and tools was evaluated by participating flood emergency managers during a 4-day, real-time simulation of an extreme event in the Thamesmead area in the Thames estuary close to London, England. Emergency managers have different communication needs and value new tools differently, but the indications are that a range of new tools could be beneficial in flood incident management. Provided they are communicated large model uncertainties are not necessarily unwelcome among flood emergency managers. Even so they are cautious about sharing the ownership of weather and flood modelling uncertainties.

New insights into the benefits of flood warnings: Results from a household survey in England and Wales

Abstract The flood defence agency in England and Wales has been pursuing a programme of flood warning system enhancement, engaging householders at risk in improving their warning responses. The immediate aim of this paper is to test and revise a model of economic benefits of warnings, but the survey data also generate insights into the constraints acting upon flood warning responses. Damage saving is less than previously anticipated: warning reliability and householder availability problems limit savings. Warnings are less likely to be received by those in lower social grades, and flood warning lead time is a factor in avoiding damage. The survey data indicate the complexities involved in improving flood warning response, and provide policy pointers.

Contextual influences on national level flood risk communication

Abstract With high profile flooding events and increasing risk and probable damages of flooding in the future flood risk management (FRM) in England and Wales has undergone substantial changes over the last decade. The contextual influences on flood risk communication in the areas of flood forecasting, warning and response, spatial planning and development control and flood insurance at a national level are investigated in this paper. Research is based on qualitative interviews with 21 representatives of key organisations and activities at a national level of FRM. Drawing on communication theory the research highlights the key contextual features at play: the characteristics of communication flow through organisations, the importance of policy as a communication tool informed and constrained by flood events, organisational agendas, communication approaches and the development of knowledge and technology. The paper describes the influence of clear policy guidance on activities in certain government FRM communication initiatives and the commercial imperative driving the insurance industry activities.

Cooperative Agreements Between Water Supply Companies and Farmers in Dorset (E)

This case study, located in the English County of Dorset, is a classic example of a water company (Wessex Water in England) facing increasing nitrate groundwater contamination. The pollution is mainly the result of farming activities. Potential “cheap” solutions such as blending the water from different sources are increasingly difficult to undertake due to the extent and increase in contamination. As a result the water company has two options: the treatment option or a catchment management approach. In this case to avoid the high operational and maintenance and construction costs of the treatment option Wessex Water has approached the farmers in order to cooperate to improve the water quality by promoting better practices. The cooperation started in 2005 involves information and education support but also phased incentive payments. This chapter illustrates the effectiveness and the continuity of such cooperation and the findings are expected to be of great interest to highlight the pro and con of a cooperative agreement as experienced in England to improve the water quality.