By now every household in Hastings and St Leonards should have received a Government booklet called ‘Preparing for Emergencies’.
Emergencies come in many forms and the residents of Hastings can take comfort that working quietly behind the scenes is a small Council service, dedicated to planning for such incidents and the most effective way of helping people.
The Emergency Planning Unit identifies known areas of risk. It works with all other agencies, such as the emergency services, utility companies, East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council, to produce, maintain and exercise emergency response plans.
These plans cover specific risk areas but also more general eventualities.
One of our most senior directors is on call 24-hours a day, 365-days a year to take strategic decisions on the Council’s behalf.
This officer is supported by a tactical response officer who is trained, together with all other agencies, to deal with a variety of situations.
A further team of professionals can be called upon to offer advice on anything from Environmental Health, building structures and community care to re-housing.
The Council also maintains a volunteer team of staff trained to manage and operate Rest and Reception Centres, buildings already chosen as bases for people who may be displaced from their homes.
A further team is trained to operate the emergency control room, used to coordinate teams. There are even Communications Officers on call to give out information in an emergency.
The Council also has the help of a number of voluntary agencies such as the Salvation Army, St John Ambulance and Raynet (Radio Amateurs Network) and others, which offer their support.
Are we expecting an emergency? NO, but we are prepared for one should it arise. In the future new statutory duties will apply to make sure we continue to be so.
So Hastings and St Leonards Residents can be assured their welfare is being considered and Council officers are working hard behind the scenes.
Here are a few emergency numbers worth keeping by the phone:
Emergency Numbers
Hastings Borough Council (day) 01424 781066
Hastings Borough Council (out of hours) 01424 781999
Sussex Police 0845 60 70 999
EDF Power Care (electricity) 0800 783 8866
Transco (Gas) 0800 111 999
Southern Water 0845 278 0845
Environment Agency Floodline 0845 1188
Local Radio
Arrow FM 107.8 FM
Southern FM 102.4 FM
Southern Counties Radio 104 to 104.5 FM
Come and have a chat with the decision makers in your town on October 16.
Local Democracy Week kicks off on October 16 at Priory Meadow.
Around 20 stalls will adorn the shopping centre, staffed by Council officers and councillors.
Pop along for advice and information on everything from local services to your role in the democratic process.
The stalls will be out all day and are a great opportunity to find out more about your Council.
East Sussex County Council elections are on May 5 2005 and could be followed by a General Election so it's more important than ever that you don’t lose your chance to vote.
We're now sending out Voter Registration forms to every household and if your details are already correct you can use our new FREEPHONE service. Just dial the number and key-in the special two-part security code on the form to confirm your details. Lines will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alternatively, you can complete the form, sign and return it to our Elections Office as normal.
REMEMBER: You can only vote if you're on the Voter Register.
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This page last updated: 29/09/2004