Communicating flood risk

SEPA provides 24/7 information on the latest risk of river and coastal flooding through the Floodline service.  We have an ongoing commitment to raising awareness of flood risk, flood preparation and the services available to help people take personal action.

We work closely and speak regularly with many others organisations with flooding related duties, such as the police, fire & rescue services, local authorities and Scottish Government, as well as the Met Office in relation to flood forecasts. Frequent statements and comments are supplied from SEPA to the media on any number of flooding related issues or developing flood situations.

Communicating with the public

SEPA’s Floodline service informs people of the latest risk of river and coastal flooding 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available by calling 0845 988 1188 or visiting our flood updates page.

Floodline also provides a host of flooding information including current flood updates, advice on flood preparation, how to deal with a flood, flood risk and sources of further help and support. This information can be accessed by anyone, at any time.

Our awareness campaigns are designed to highlight flood risk and what actions people can take to prepare and protect themselves. They include community events, information leaflets, educational plays in schools, using social media, advertising, posters in libraries and with our partners.

Click here for more information on who does what in relation to flooding in Scotland.

Communicating with partner organisations

SEPA works with a number of external organisations to provide advice on flood risk planning, flood prevention, as well as working with partners during flooding incidents to support communities across Scotland.

Regular planning, briefings and face to face meetings are held with partners such as local authorities, Scottish Government, Scottish Flood Forum and emergency services. During actual flooding, depending on the severity of the situation, SEPA also operates within a Strategic Coordinating Group, which includes emergency responding organisations, to plan and agree an appropriate response.

Communicating through the media

As well as responding to a great number of enquiries during flooding events, SEPA actively informs various media of when flooding is forecast and keeps them informed of advice and guidance their viewers and listeners.

Every day we send a summary of the current Flood Warnings and Alerts in force to the media who have registered for the service, e.g. through BBC Weather warning pages and digital television pages. If there is a developing flood situation the summary is issued again throughout the day to keep everyone updated with the latest information so they can plan appropriate responses.

Most radio, tv and newspapers are now all familiar with the Floodline service and use the live flood updates page. If SEPA believes a more severe situation is developing we will actively contact local radio stations to make them aware, to help get the message out as far as possible. We also have a dedicated media desk and on call media rota, so news organisations can access SEPA spokespeople 24/7.