In the last issue of About we included an article from the Council's Emergency Planning department, raising awareness of weather related risks to do with the summer. This time we will be focussing our attention on autumn.
Emergencies are, fortunately, fairly infrequent but just in case our emergency plans and responses are always being developed and worked on. This was well demonstrated in August when St Leonards residents were evacuated after a gas cylinder became unstable. A fully rehearsed emergency plan was quickly put into place by Hastings Borough Council staff.
Residents can expect:
These are a few of the activities prepared in advance to keep residents up to speed in an emergency.
The Meteorological Office will issue severe gales advice when gusts are expected to reach 70 mph and above, this is where structural damage is likely to occur. Autumn weather can produce severe storms and general advice on how to prepare for these eventualities and taking action may well reduce the risk to residents and property.
In Hastings and St Leonards many properties are built on high ground however, flash flooding can overcome drainage systems and run offs can flow down drives and gardens into the house; simple steps to protect the property, persons and contents can be taken to minimise this risk. For those who live and work in properties on lower ground, being aware of the risk and making a plan is even more important.
The householder is responsible for coming up with a simple flood plan and there are a few easy steps to help protect people and property:
Tips to stay safe:
Check the Environment Agency's website for more useful ideas or telephone 0845 988 1188.
We all hope that the extremes of weather do not affect us this autumn, but if they do, be aware and be prepared. Hastings Borough Council and its partners will be monitoring severe weather warnings. Radio and TV stations will give out regular forecasts of severe weather.
In the next issue of About we will look at how to cope during the cold weather and how to safely survive a winter.
Hastings emergency services were put into action on Thursday, August 4 when a fire in a van set off a gas canister explosion. The incident happened on the Bexhill Road near Stamco forcing an evacuation of up to 200 local residents. Emergency Service workers had to treat the incident like a bomb disposal as it was feared that the gas canisters remaining in the van were extremely unstable and could explode at any time.
A 200m area was cordoned off around the van while fire fighters waited for the gas canisters to cool down. The dry grass surrounding the van had also caught fire during the blaze.
Bexhill Road was closed off and train services running between Hastings and Bexhill were stopped with bus services replacing them. However, due to the closure of the road people trying to make it home that afternoon found themselves with a long journey ahead of them.
Staff from Stamco exercised their fire drill when they were evacuated to their other site at the Churchfields Industrial Estate after the explosion blasted a hole in the wall.
The Council moved all the evacuated local residents to the Masonic Hall behind the Royal Victoria Hotel, and were told to expect a wait of up to 24 hours before they could return home. When it became clear that residents would not be able to return home, efforts were made by the Council to make sure everyone had a place to stay. Most people stayed with friends and family, although the Council put up approximately 20 people in hotels. The Cinque Ports Hotel took eight people and The Royal Victoria took 12.
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This page last updated: 29/09/2005