By Bethan Griffiths, Communications Manager, Cambridgeshire County Council
Seeing the devastation caused by Storm Bert to parts of Wales over the weekend serves as a timely reminder of the importance of communicating with and supporting residents in weather-related incidents.
Here in Cambridgeshire, we are fortunate enough to rarely experience major flooding – or other weather related – events. On Friday, myself and my colleague Michael Hann from Huntingdonshire District Council shared our experience of communicating with residents and stakeholders during a recent flooding event with the LGcomms East of England regional network. Although the incident we discussed was on a much smaller scale, the emotional and practical impact on those affected was also devastating.
Michael and I highlighted the unique challenges we faced and the lessons we learned; for example ensuring you communicate honestly, consistently and regularly, starting at the earliest possible opportunity. Being visible in our local communities, partnership working and building strong relationships with residents, parish councils and politicians is also key.
We were also privileged to hear from Thom Burn from Central Bedfordshire Council (and feel a sense of relief we weren’t responsible for moving a flock of pygmy horses away from rising river levels!), and Jonathan Byrne from City of York Council, who experience major flooding incidents multiple times a year. I took away lots of great ideas as to how we can increase awareness and understanding of what people should do before, during and after a flood.
To our colleagues in Wales and the South West, the last few days have put your public service comms teams in the spotlight, but this is a challenge I know you’ll more than meet.