VisitEngland

Working with others during a flood event

Once you have assessed your own situation, it is useful to know what others are doing locally. Developing or joining a co-ordinated response is more effective than working on your own.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet RF/Doug McKinlay

Victoria Suspension Bridge over the river Wye, Hereford.

Where to start

  • Contact your trade organisation: Your first step should be to contact your local tourism or trade organisation, as they are best placed to co-ordinate a response and will be in contact with local authorities and agencies. They will be able to produce a thought-out communication strategy supported by facts. 
  • Have a consistent message: A consistent response across a wide number of businesses is more reassuring to visitors than conflicting messages.
  • Keep up to date: Working with a lead organisation means you will find out how the situation is progressing and measures being taken to resolve it. If they are producing regular briefings, keep up to date with these. They are also a central source of information and should be able to tell you which facilities are affected, which are still operating and help identify alternative activities for visitors.

What to find out

  • What information do they have about the impact of severe weather on facilities in your area?
  • What are their plans?
  • What messages have they developed?
  • Can they help with your communications?
  • Can they give you contacts for support (grants, suppliers etc)? Where are they posting information and what are they saying?