We have an Emergency Plan

In Plaistow and Ifold we are fortunate not to have a river, railway line, motorway or industrial plant that could give rise to a major emergency but we could suffer from severe weather and, as we are well aware, we are situated close to the Gatwick flight path. Our rural roads do carry heavy traffic such as tankers and coaches.

Although it is a low probability a major emergency could have a serious impact on our parish.

Major Emergency

A major emergency would be managed by the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance) together with Chichester District Council. These organisations have created an emergency plan, which outlines how they work together and their individual roles and responsibilities.

Our parish is situated at the edge of Chichester District and in the event of severe weather conditions or some other widespread disruption assistance from the statutory authorities could take time. There is also the possibility during widespread disruption that resources are spread widely and therefore limited. To assist in such emergencies the Parish Council has developed local emergency arrangements to enable self-help in the event of the emergency services being delayed or overstretched. These arrangements are designed to merge with the emergency plans of the District Council and emergency services and to come under the command of these organisations as soon as appropriate.

The Parish arrangements are simply a means of alerting Parish Councillors and other volunteers who can provide facilities, services or equipment to assist during the emergency. The plan includes arrangements, such as the opening of the Kelsey and Winterton Halls to provide shelter and the provision of welfare, comfort and reassurance to persons affected. Where to find equipment such as tractors, four wheel drive vehicles, chain saws, generators and the like. It is very much a local self help operation to commence activity to ease the problems created by whatever emergency has befallen us pending the arrival of the appropriate emergency services and to offer them local assistance.

Parish Volunteers

While the Parish Council has details of volunteers willing to assist, more people, particularly with useful skills are sought. Anyone with a first aid or counselling/comforting background would be welcome. Also welcome is anyone with equipment such as chain saws, generators or similar who would be willing to assist with its use. But it is not just people with particular skills that would be required; the making of tea, helping vulnerable and distressed people, assisting with pets are all roles that would become important in certain circumstances. It would only be in the unlikely event of a serious emergency and then to help until the statutory emergency services can take over.

So, please, if you would be willing to be included in the call out list for the Parish emergency plan, contact the Parish Clerk or any Parish Councillor for further information. Personal details are kept confidential for the use of councillors involved in operating the plan should that become necessary.

General Advice for Major Emergencies

The following points are based on advice issued by Chichester District Council for residents should a major emergency occur.

• Undertake any immediate repairs to your property to prevent damage worsening.
• In severe weather secure loose items, close windows bring in pets and remain inside. Be prepared for power cuts.
• Prepare an emergency self-help kit. It can include anything you feel will assist you in an emergency. Items for consideration could include the following.
• Torch with spare batteries (it may not be possible to recharge).
• Radio, battery operated.
• Mobile phone (system could overload in emergency).
• Emergency telephone numbers.
• Candles and matches.
• First aid kit and personal medication.
• Bottled water.
• Waterproof and warm clothing including blankets.
• Wellington boots.
• Vital personal documents.
• Know how to turn off water, electric, oil, gas in your home.
• If the police tell you to evacuate your home, take with you necessary medication, plenty of warm clothing and secure your property when leaving.
• Check on any neighbour who may be elderly, infirm or disabled.
• Local radio will provide information on the situation.