Emergency Planning for Shepway District Council

Emergency Planning

quake(1)

Folkestone Earthquake 28 April 2007

Local authorities have clear legal obligations and a duty of care to provide effective, robust and demonstrable emergency arrangements to mobilise resources to deal with a broad range of emergencies.

From time to time emergencies occur which require special measures to be taken. Such events are defined under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 as;

(a) an event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in the United Kingdom or in a Part or region,

(b) an event or situation which threatens serious damage to the environment of the United Kingdom or of a Part or region, or

A short guide to the Civil Contingencies Act can be found at (http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/132428/15mayshortguide.pdf As a category 1 responder the district council is responsible for preparing appropriate plans to deal with a wide range of emergencies that fall within the council's remit.

Shepway District Council has developed a Major Emergency Plan to provide procedures and guidance that facilitate an appropriate and proportionate response by the Council to meet the needs of any emergency thereby contributing to alleviation of distress and disruption caused by such incidents, and enable the authority to continue to provide normal services as far as is possible.

Shepway District Council Major Emergency Plan

Emergency planning is based on a risk assessment of particular hazards. This risk assessment is carried out by the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) and the result of this assessment is published on the Kent County Council website (Kent Community Risk Register).

Training and Exercising

To support an emergency response Shepway District Council, in conjunction with Kent County Council, make training available to all council staff and specialised training is provided to those who have a specific role in the emergency plan. Shepway District Council staff also participate in emergency exercises which are held in conjunction with our partner agencies, including Kent County Council and the emergency services.

Severe Weather Warnings

The Met Office issues severe weather warnings when there is a 'strong likelihood of severe weather that may cause considerable inconvenience to a large number of people or present a danger to life'. If you would like to see the current warnings in force see the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service.

Flooding Information

The Environment Agency has produced three flood guides for the general public. The guides give practical advice on preparing for a flood and what to do during and after a flood. The guides are currently available in English and bilingually in English and Welsh. Information on flooding can also be found on the Environment Agency website. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/default.aspx

The Council in conjunction Kent County Council is currently working on a Multi-Agency Flood Plan for the Shepway district. The plan will set out the multi-agency response to any flooding incidents in the Shepway area.

Shepway District Council Oil Pollution and Chemical Spill Shoreline Response Plan

The council also has an Oil Pollution and Chemical Spill Shoreline Respponse Plan. The role of this plan is to set how key agencies would respond to an oil or chemical spill on the Shepway coastline.

Communications

During a major emergency, the phone networks (landline and mobile) may become congested with phone calls. To allow an additional means of communication, the district council work with RAYNET (the Radio Amateur's Emergency Network) and with other licensed amateur radio operators. If you are a licensed radio amateur and would like to be included in our directory please contact our Emergency Planning Officer teresa.young@shepway.gov.uk . Those officers with a specific named role in the Emergency Plan, are also given priority access to the mobile network.

Go in stay in tune in

In most emergencies, the best advice is to 'go in, stay in and tune in'. A battery or wind-up powered radio is ideal in case the mains electricity fails. Tune in to your local radio station. However you should always follow the instructions of the authorities if you are advised to evacuate your home

Local media

Pets and Emergencies

The Blue Cross have produced a leaflet about looking after your pets during floods. The guidance can be applied to other major emergencies. It can be downloaded from here: Pets and Floods.

Government Information

The Preparing for Emergencies website provides online advice covering:

Guidance on how to prepare for a variety of emergencies.
What to do in the event of an emergency.
What the government is doing to protect the country.

The Government issues warnings and advice to the public about major emergencies and this information is accessed through the UK Resilience homepage that contains information on a range of emergency issues.

The Voluntary Sector

In partnership with Kent County Council and Medway Council, we also maintain regular contact with voluntary organisations through the county-wide Kent Voluntary Sector Emergency Group. This group is made up of:

If you would like to join any of these organisations, please contact them direct through the above links or through their local branch.

Further Information

If you would more information relating to emergency planning please contact our emergency planning officer. teresa.young@shepway.gov.uk or amy.golder@shepway.gov.uk

Useful Links

Preparing for Emergencies -

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Dealingwithemergencies/Preparingforemergencies/index.htm

UK Resilience -

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience.aspx

KCC - Emergency Planning -

http://www.kent.gov.uk/community_and_living/community_safety/emergency_planning.aspx

Useful Documents

Shepway SDC Major Emergency Plan

Shepway Oil Pollution and Chemical Spill Shoreline Response Plan

Created : Tue,28 Aug 2007
Updated : Tue,29 Jun 2010

Shepway District Council

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Emergency Planning for Shepway District Council