1. Community Emergency Planning
Ian Travers Smith

3. Sutton Courtenay 30 Jan 2008 District Council WRVS Red Cross RSPCA
Highways
Schools
PCT

4. “You Can’t Plan For Everything But You Can Plan For Anything”
Community Plans
YCPFEBYCPFA
“You Can’t Plan For Everything But You Can Plan For Anything”
“Just because the river is quiet does not mean the crocodiles have gone away”

5. Purpose
…to provide a self-help response during any emergency affecting the community, ahead of the response by emergency services and the local authorities.

6. ……for instance Following a disruptive event e.g.fire or explosion
Particularly involving evacuation
During a widespread emergency
Snow, storm damage, flu pandemic, flooding
Usually preceded by a warning
Emergency services stretched
Extended loss of utilities

7. Multi-Agency Responsibilities
Emergency Services
Saving and protecting life
Containing the emergency
Local Authorities
Welfare
Co-ordination of voluntary agencies

8. Community Response Short-term welfare needs
Deal with consequences NOT emergencies
Displaced people
Lack of immediate access to:
Professional medical assistance
Prescription medicines
Shelter
Warmth (cooling)
Water & food
Light

9. Health & Safety Ask of people 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

10. Plan Contents First assemble information based on key questions…………………
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How?

11. Plan Contents Who? Will lead and co-ordinate local response?
Emergency Management Team (EMT)?
Assign roles

12. Plan Contents Who? Can provide assistance?
Off-duty emergency service staff
Farmers
Electricians
Plumbers
Willing volunteers

13. Plan Contents Who? Might be vulnerable?
Young, old, disabled, single parents
Displaced people

14. Plan Contents What? Might cause a problem?
Busy roads (accident blackspots)
Watercourses
Industrial Premises (COMAH Sites)
Extreme Weather Conditions
Local impact
Receipt of warnings
Post event action
Extended Utilities failure

15. Plan Contents What? Local Resources might be useful?
Hotels/pubs/restaurants
Sandbags & sand
4x4 vehicles
Tractors
Chain saws
Two-way radios (RAYNET)

16. ? Plan Contents Where? Might the EMT meet? Might you provide shelter?
Call it a “Reception Centre”
Identify suitable facilities
Arrange for rapid access
Provide comfort for displaced people

17. Plan Contents 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

18. Plan Contents Reception Centre Desirable Features Toilets
Potable water
Heating
Light
Seating
Kitchen facilities
Landline telephone
An area for pets

19. Plan Contents When? Should the plan be activated?
Disruptive event involving evacuation
Utilities failure
Receipt of weather warnings (Judgement!!)
Met Office: National Severe Weather Warning Service
Environment Agency: Floodline Warnings Direct

20. Plan Contents How? Communication! Communication! Communication!
Understand when to communicate & with whom
Identify the means
Contact list is essential
Requires the most frequent review
Contains personal information