Community Emergency Plans Ian Travers Smith

 Why have them?  Keeping it simple  Added Extras Community Emergency Plans

22 Oct 2012

25 Sept 2012

What do these emergencies have in common?  Unpredictable  Emergency services able to respond  They could all happen to you

How can you help emergency services to help you?  Develop a community emergency plan  Include a self-help response

Keeping it Simple  Identify an emergency management team  Identify 2 potential survivor reception centres  Identify willing volunteers  Identify those who may be vulnerable  Compile an emergency contact list  Share specific information

Reception Centre Characteristics  Out of the flood plain  Accessible in flooding  Access from more than 1 direction  Accessible by coach-sized vehicles  Separated by at least 500 metres  Option in neighbouring community

Volunteering  Identify volunteers & those with particular skills  Ask of volunteers only what is reasonable  Trained or competent to use machinery  Think what might go wrong  Do not let a responder become a casualty  Check public liability insurance for activity other than low risk

Use Common Sense “You do not need a criminal Records Bureau check to call round and check on elderly friends and relatives” “You can help clear paths and pavements to prevent slips and falls – don’t believe the myths about being sued” Source: “Government guidance on community action during severe weather”

Identifying the vulnerable  Local Knowledge  Church groups  Neighbourhood watch etc  Social services Emergency Contacts List  Utilities  Local Assets  Local Authorities  Key holders

Survey Results  249 Parish & Town Councils canvassed  75 responses  46 either have or are developing a plan  28 state no interest in producing a plan BUT  Of those 24 provided emergency contact and reception centre details.

Added Extras  If you are vulnerable to specific risks, generally associated with winter weather, you may want to include tailored measures in your plan.  Remember, in these circumstances the emergency services are likely to be stretched and will be giving priority to life-saving activities.  Anything you can do by way of self-help will ease pressure on the community.  Comprehensive guidance on producing a community emergency plan is available on the Oxfordshire County Council web site, together with a series of useful links.  For flooding, contact the environment agency for expert advice  For snow clearance contact Oxfordshire County Council Highways.

Power Failure  Is it widespread or has a fuse blown?  Check with neighbours  Telephone the utility company’s emergency contact number to establish anticipated recovery time  How?  What’s the weather like?  Check on the vulnerable  Are they registered with utilities companies?  Community Heating  Portable generators  Portable heaters  Pubs or eating establishments  Alternate cooking facilities?