You can find the latest version of the CBMCC Community Resilience Plan here.
Are you prepared for the kinds of things that can happen because of an emergency?
Power cuts, or disruption to fuel supplies.
Loss of telephone communications.
Flooding, at home, or at your place of business.
Becoming stranded or severely delayed while on a journey in the car.
Evacuation from your home or business, either by yourself or by the authorities, or being unable to get into your home or premises.
Being confined to the indoors, at home, or somewhere else.
Unplanned separation of family members.
Without going over the top here are a few simple things you can do to cope with some of the above conditions. Just having a few everyday items easily to hand can save you a lot of trouble all year round. Things like:
A torch and radio with spare batteries for both or, better still, wind up.
Three days’ supply of water and food that won’t go off (or gets used regularly).
Baby and pet supplies if needed.
Emergency phone numbers.
Mobile phone power-pack.
Know where your essential medicines and first aid kit are.
Know where your important documents (like insurance policies and passports) are or keep copies.
Know where your spare car keys are.
These are just a few of the more obvious pointers. You can find out more about preparing for and managing emergency situations on the Ready Scotland website: ready.scot. This includes advice on how to create a home emergency plan and how to prepare an emergency kit.
The old-fashioned corded telephone system that plugs into the wall will be discontinued in the UK by 2025. If you still have one of these handsets connected in your home, cherish it, as it will keep working for some time even after a power cut when mobile phone and digital services may no longer be available. No alternative solution to this useful emergency communication system has been suggested by the authorities at this stage although several private solutions are available.
Subscribing to SEPA’s Floodline {floodlinescotland) will keep you directly informed on flooding risks in the area. There is also a useful smartphone app ‘Emergency’ offered by the British Red Cross that will send you alerts on weather and other threats when they occur.