About Magazine Issue 28 - Summer 2005

Emergency Planning

For a number of years now Hastings Borough Council has maintained plans for dealing with a major emergency in the town.  We continue to work closely with all the major emergency services and other local authorities to ensure we support each other in case of such an event.

A new Act of Parliament concerning Civil Protection has recently been introduced, which both complements our current approach and includes additional activities for us to become involved with to improve our response and our resilience.

Maintaining our current plans involves giving out advice or warnings to the public and providing useful information on what to do in an emergency.  We have developed a series of articles for About, which we hope will be invaluable to residents.

We kick off with summer risks.

The long hot, dry Hastings summers usually finds lots of residents and visitors enjoying the beach and the parks and generally experiencing the ambience of the town.  How many people think of the risks to themselves and others at this time or consider the consequences from:

• The heat and the sun
• The risks of thunderstorms and lightning
• The possibilities of water shortage

We work closely with our local and national partner agencies on this subject and recognise that in the event of large numbers of people becoming affected by these natural risks, there could be serious implications for the communities involved.

Follow the advice and make sure you stay safe this summer.

Sun and overheating

Certain groups can be more vulnerable than others to the effects of heat and ultra violet radiation.  Over exposure to the sun can be dangerous with effects ranging from mild sunburn to skin cancer.  U V indexes can be high even if the air temperature is not particularly hot.

So before you go out in the sun:

• Make sure that you have a high factor sun cream that you apply regularly
• Have plenty of cold fluids available to drink
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light coloured clothing and a hat (wide brimmed if possible)

During a heat wave

• Try to keep your house cool, closing blinds and curtains will help (but be security minded )
• Keep your sleeping area well ventilated, but make sure that your premises are secure.  Night cooling is good for the body
• Take cold showers or baths regularly
• Avoid excessive exercise which can cause heat stroke, early signs of heat stress is shown by fatigue ( be aware )
• Eat normally
• Consider elderly people who may need support during this time

The Cancer Research Sun Smart Campaign has additional useful advice "Think SMART"
S stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm M make sure that you never burn A always cover up R remember to take extra care with children T then use factor 15 plus sun cream

Further advice can be found on the Cancer Research Web site www.cancerresearchuk.org Medical services and hospitals are highly stretched at this time of year, we hope by informing the public of such matters we can prevent a busy time developing into a crisis which might then develop into an Emergency.

The Department of Health maintain an Emergency Plan for an event concerning a heat wave.  Information on the Department of health heat wave Plan can be found at www.dh.gov.uk

Thunderstorms and lightning

The summer season can also bring with it a series of heavy thunderstorms and lightning, this is a quite natural phenomenon but care should be taken during these periods.  We hope that residents will be better informed by considering the warning and information given below.

Should there be thunderstorm activity in your area:

• Unplug non essential appliances to minimise the effects of a lightning strike
• If you are in the Country Park or any open space seek shelter quickly, avoiding trees, remember lightning is looking for the easiest route to the ground, you might just be it.
• If caught in the open adopt a squat position with hands over your head, do not lie down
• Metal pipes and radiators can conduct electricity avoid touching them if possible
• Avoid using a telephone unless essential

This advice on thunderstorms is supplied by the Metrological office and is a useful guide of how to stay safe

Water shortages

During every summer there are often comments concerning water shortages and droughts.

Such occasions do in fact trigger Emergency Plans into action, these plans are mainly operated by the water supply companies which also liase with the Council on their construction and implementation.

Already hosepipe bans have been implemented in some parts of Sussex for 2005.

During such emergencies the following advice can be useful

• Continue to make sure that you do not dehydrate and take in your usual amount of fluid
• Do not waste water, if possible shower and not bath
• Ensure domestic appliances are full such items as dishwashers and washing machines
• Keep a look out for others who may be less fortunate, remember water may need to be delivered or supplied through standpipes some members of the community may require help
• Follow the advice of the water supply company

The Hastings Borough Council

Emergency Planning Unit will continue to work with other agencies and give early warnings of severe weather or drought and the appropriate plans will ensure we can take any action necessary to maintain public safety.  In future editions of About will look at adverse weather, wind and flood advice and occasionally include general information on actions to take on specific emergencies, we will continue to warn and inform residents of what to do.

For more information on Hastings borough Council Emergency Planning Service please contact:

The Emergency Planning Officer
Telephone: 01424 783226
Email: emergencyplanning@hastings.gov.uk

‘Harbour Arm’, the Council’s own brand factor 25 sun cream, is on sale at the Information Centres priced £2.95

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