What to do in an Emergency

The Emergency Planning Service ensures that the Council is prepared to respond to any major emergency which occurs within the Borough, to support neighbouring authorities and emergency services and to respond to national disasters should they occur.

In the event of a major emergency the points of contact are:

• Emergency Services: 999
• Hastings Borough Council: 01424 451999

Our further information page provides links to national and local emergency services and agencies, and to online resources by emergency type.

The Government's 'Preparing for Emergencies' (.pdf 1083KB) booklet has been designed to provide information on how you can help yourself and your family in emergencies.

Advice to residents in clearing snow and ice

Last winter many people helped keep pavements and public spaces around their homes clear of snow but some people were put off doing so because of fears of being sued.

Visit www.gov.uk/ for the latest government guidance about clearing snow and ice.

If an Emergency occurs

In all cases,any type of emergency can be far more easily managed if both the residents in the area concerned and the co-ordinating authorities take a common sense approach to the problem.

The principal advice is:

• Listen to the radio or television for information
• Watch out for leaflets coming through your door
• Try to ensure that windows and doors remain closed to prevent any unwanted fumes coming in
• Tell you neighbours that you are at home
• Use the telephone as little as possible
• Check information on this web site
• Follow instructions from Police Officers or authorised and identified representatives of the Council where necessary
• Use information telephone lines when they are publicised on radio and television.  These lines will be established to ensure enquiries and information can be dealt with quickly and other telephone lines can remain free
• Stay at home unless you can offer professional help eg. medical personnel and do not make any unnecessary journeys.

Preparation for an Emergency

• Keep in touch with your neighbours and particularly Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators
• Water:  Each individual needs a minimum of 1.5 litres of water per day.  Consider methods of storage eg. bottled, existing water cistern, PVC carry bottles.  Keep water refrigerated if possible
• Heat and lighting:  A building should hold its heat for a reasonable time, to prevent hypothermia blankets, thermal blankets and some form of alternative heating should be provided.  Emergency forms of lighting should be available
• Medicine:  Lack of medicine could turn a controlled situation into a medical emergency.  Ensure any prescription medicines are in date and available.  Keep details of medicines you need
• Food:  Tinned foods are useful but a flask of hot drink made before any power cut could be even more beneficial
• Power: ensure that a good torch with batteries is available.  Try to have a battery operated radio available for use in the home.  Ensure you have spare batteries