Parish Emergency Support Group for Great Wakering

Introduction

Great Wakering Parish Council are forming the above group to help the community cope in the event of any emergency. It is not intended to take over the role from the proper authorities but bearing in mind, depending on the nature of the emergency, delays could be experienced in the arrival of the proper authorities. For this reason it is necessary to be prepared to look after ourselves for a while.

Should any emergency occur the Great Wakering Parish Council Office would be staffed by councillors and possibly other volunteers to co-ordinate action necessary to care for the people of the Parish.

A list of suitable premises to be used as rest centres will be complied.

To be successful we need to compile a data bank of local businesses and people with suitable equipment and the ability to use them safely. We are particularly keen to hear from the following groups or individuals:

  • Farmers and Contractors who have tractors and diggers which could move trees/snow etc, and carry loads.
  • People with generators, water pumps, chainsaws, etc.
  • People with 4 wheel drive vehicles and trailers.
  • People with specialist skills such as doctors, nurses, first aiders.
  • People with non specialist skills who just wish to help by offering, refreshments and comfort at the established rest centres.
  • Boat owners with small shallow draft boats between 15 and 20 feet in length which could be used to rescue people from buildings and vehicles.

If you would like to help please contact the group chairman, Laurie Street, at laurencestreet@live.co.uk or at the Great Wakering Council office on 01702-219343. Or please complete the following forms (as relevant) and return them to:

Laurie Street
C/O Great Wakering Parish Council
Council Offices
Little Wakering Hall Lane
Great Wakering
Essex
SS3 0HH
Volunteer forms:

EQUIPMENT OWNED

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT WORKER

Flooding

The Environment Agency have declared about half of the parish of Great Wakering are in a flood risk area, this is about 1,100 premises and several thousand residents.

The Environment Agency, District Council and County Council have all published sound advice to people who live or have interests in the flood risk area which it is urged should be taken heed of, however here is some purely local advice to residents of Great Wakering:

Check with the Environment agency (www.environment-agency.org.uk or 0845 988 1188) to ascertain if you are subject to flooding, if so sign up to free flood warnings.

A number of simple measures can be built into your garden such as alow bank or bund of soil which will help keep water out, deed with grass to bind the soil. Leave just gaps at gates etc, which can quickly be filled.

Take stock of your property, check the number of air bricks, drain outlets, doors, etc, a properly constructed brick wall should holdback water for some time so concentrate on openings. Depending on the level of flooding possible consider fitting movable flood boards, non return valves to drain outlets, if so seek qualified advice.

If you are thinking of sand bags fifty should be sufficient for an average size house (about £25.00) or Gel filled bags which swell on contact with water (£125.00 for 50). Store sand in plastic containers not sacks as they quickly deteriorate. A ton will fill about 50 bags. Do not overfill. Allow for tying.

If flooding is imminent cover all openings with bags, if possible lay layers of plastic sheet over openings between the opening and the bag. Lay cut scaffold boards across door openings before laying the bags. Block bath and sink outlets and toilet outlets. Be prepared to turn off Gas, electricity and water.

Move property upstairs if possible including radios, mobile phones and the like. Take food and drink and warm clothes. Listen to local radio for instructions.

PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE NEIGHBOURS WHO MAY NEED HELP DO WHAT YOU CAN SAFELY OR ALERT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES.

If there is large scale flooding the emergency services may be hard pressed and we may have to look after ourselves for a while.

If you live on the coast where flooding may be a problem you need to become coast wise. Learn about the tides, buy a tide table and check the predicted high tide times, anything 6 metres or over Chart Datum at Southend has potential to be a high tide. Check wind direction and speed, a northerly wind causes tides to be swept down the east coast which builds up here, high wind speeds increases this effect. Barometric pressure has an effect, low pressure allows the tide to rise higher than expected.

The Flood Warnings issued by the Environment Agency for this area are normally based on Clacton so tide times and heights are slightly different to those local

THESE FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A POSSIBLE HIGHER THAN NORMAL TIDE BUT DO NOT MEAN THERE WILL BE PROBLEMS.