Introduction

All major emergencies will be dealt with by the emergency services, local authorities, utilities and voluntary agencies in a combined response. This Emergency Plan is not intended to be a substitute for these services and, on an emergency situation arising, the first action should always be to contact the emergency services by dialling 999.

The purpose of the plan is to cater for extreme circumstances (for example heavy snowfall) that might prevent the emergency services from reaching the scene immediately. In such cases, the initial response may rely entirely on local residents organised by the Parish Council.

Emergency Plan Summary

It is not possible to foresee all the eventualities that could arise.

The most likely are flooding, heavy snowfall and prolonged power cuts but there are other scenarios that are extremely unlikely but could trigger an emergency situation. The Parish Council has, therefore, taken a flexible approach to Emergency Planning. As a first step, all potential emergency situations will be assessed by an Initial Response Team.

They will assess what actions and resources are needed and instigate the appropriate action. Communication protocols are in place to disseminate information and contact vulnerable residents. The Village Hall has been designated as the primary assembly point if needed.

This is equipped with a generator so some services would be available in the event of a power cut. Local residents can make some provisions to mitigate the impact of more likely emergencies. Please see the notes overleaf for useful advice regarding floods and power cuts.

The Parish Council’s Initial Response team is:

Self Help Advice

Power Cuts

1. Have an alternative light source readily available (e.g. candles, torch, camping light). If you’ve got a smartphone or tablet download a ‘Torch’ app.
2. Have an alternative power source for charging mobile devices. Solar chargers/batteries, car emergency boosters and hand-operated chargers are all available. You can also use car chargers but be careful not to drain your battery.
3. Buy an old fashioned telephone that plugs into the phone socket. This isn’t reliant on 240v power. If your cooking is electric consider purchasing a camping stove or use the barbeque.
4. Keep warm.
5. Keep a list of useful telephone numbers to hand so you can phone the power company for updates on when you can expect to be reconnected. Remember that if you have a modern system with a base unit it won’t work so any stored numbers on the phone can’t be accessed.

Floods

1. If you live within the 1 in 100 years risk area, register with the Environment Agency’s Floodline for automated flood alerts. Ensure that you understand the flood alert codes.
2. Remember it is your responsibility to protect your home. The Parish Council does not keep a supply of sandbags nor is it feasible to store and distribute them. Alternative forms of barrier have been developed to protect doorways and air bricks which are light, more easily stored and simple to put in place. Ground floor toilets and wet rooms/showers also need balloon devices inserted to prevent sewage or wastewater rising into your home. Read the environment agency advice online, access Kent Resilience Forum “What should I do in an emergency?” and National Flood Forum: follow links to research available products. Some paper copies are available from the Clerk.
3. Turn off the mains power.
4. Move valuables and vulnerable items upstairs or onto shelves
5. Prepare supplies e.g. bottled water, food, first aid kit.
6. Ensure that your insurance is up to date and provides adequate cover

Kent Emergency Planning Contact Numbers: