The Parish Emergency Plan is a working document, and at the time of writing a work in progress. OPC are working with Urpeth Parish Council, Pelton Parish Council and Pelton Division County Councillors (CC Batey, CC Pringle and CC Wood) to put in place an emergency plan for the whole Division.
The plan will cover emergencies such as power cuts, extreme weather, pandemics and flooding etc.
Useful websites:
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies
https://www.durham.gov.uk/emergencysafety
County Durham and Darlington Prepared… for Winter!
The Local Resilience Team suggested that Residents keep a Grab Bag with emergency items in so they can grab it and go at short notice.
Grab bag list
In an emergency you may need to move quickly, so it’s important to have necessities at hand. Ideally, you should pack an easy-to-carry bag with essentials and store it in an accessible place. At the very least, you should make an up-to-date list of things to put into your ‘grab bag’. The contents will vary depending on your needs but may include:
- Essential/prescribed medication, plus asthma and respiratory aids
- Hearing aids
- Spectacles, contact lenses
- Useful phone numbers
- Mobile phone, charger
- House and car keys
- Money, credit cards
- First aid kit
- Basic toiletries eg: toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary towels
- Baby and small children supplies:
- Food, formula, drink
- Change of clothing
- Nappies
- Toys, books, activities
- Food and water:
- Bottled drinking water
- Special food needs, canned or dried food
- Can opener
- Clothing and Equipment:
- Wind and rainproof clothing
- Strong outdoors shoes
- Waterproof torch, spare batteries (check regularly) Consider a wind-up model
- Radio, spare batteries (check regularly) Consider a wind-up model
- Copies of insurance documents
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/gel
- Blankets, sleeping bags
- Sun hats, sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Rubbish bags
- Thermos flasks
- Pet supplies
The team suggested that other items to keep in the house are:
- A Wind up torch
- Battery powered lights
- Batteries
- Tinned food
- Ready to eat food
- Fully charged portable power bank
- Electric fan
- Hot water bottles
- Bottled water
- Extra blankets
It was advised that vulnerable residents registered their details with Utility Companies who will provide additional help in an emergency – see priority services register below.
DCC have launched a Warm and Well Winter Campaign
DCC said this winter they want to help everyone stay warm, well and well hydrated.
Their website, www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell has information to help with this including:
Help with energy bills
Ideas for how to stay warm including their Warm Spaces network
Health advice and vaccination information
Information about why getting enough to drink is important.
For more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/warmandwell or speak to the Customer Services team on 03000 26 00 00
In the event of a severe weather or flood warning
Be aware of a severe weather or flood warnings
Familiarise yourself with the Governments Alert Systems
Make an evacuation plan
Prepare an emergency kit
Let your neighbours know
Move sentimental and important information / items / documents upstairs
Move vehicles to higher ground
What to do in the event of a flood
If the flood is posing a risk to your safety call emergency services immediately
Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood water
Don’t walk on sea defences or riverbanks
Avoid contact with floodwater
Don’t allow pets or children to play in or near floodwater.
If you need to evacuate, turn off mains power before you leave.
Take all pets with you when you leave so they aren’t trapped by rising floodwater.
Vulnerable residents can register with utilities companies please see the information below:
INFORMATION FROM THE OFGEM WEBSITE
Priority Services Register
Eligibility
You are eligible if you:
- have reached your state pension age
- are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- are recovering from an injury
- have a hearing or sight condition
- have a mental health condition
- are pregnant or have young children
- have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).
You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital.
How to Register
Apply by contacting your energy supplier or network operator.
Give them your contact details and as much information as you can about your needs.
Your supplier can pass your details to your network operator to add you to their register too. It’s a good idea to ask them to do this if you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons.
If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you need to contact them both. You must also register with your water provider too.
You’ll need to register again with any new supplier if you switch supplier.
How you can get help
- Advance notice of planned power cuts. If you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons your network operator can tell you about planned power cuts. For example, when they plan engineering work.
- Priority support in an emergency. could provide heating and cooking facilities if you are cut off supply.
- Identification and password scheme. This could include arranging a password or agreed on picture cards if callers need to visit or contact you. This way you can feel confident they are genuine.
- Nominee scheme. You can nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier. For example, a family member, carer or someone you trust.
- Help with prepayment meter access. For example, moving a meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up.
- Regular meter reading services. For example, if nobody can read your meter.
- Accessible information. For example, account info and bills in large print or braille.
Suppliers and could offer other support services. Ask them how they can help you.
Similar Support Services
Suppliers can offer free gas safety checks every 12 months. You can request a safety check if you get a means-tested benefit and either:
- live with a child under five years old
- live alone or with others and have reached state pension age
- live alone or with others and are disabled or chronically ill
- live with others who have reached state pension age or are disabled, chronically ill or under 18 years old.
Landlords are normally responsible for keeping your gas appliances safe if you don’t own your own home. Further information about landlord obligations is listed on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Free similar services to the Priority Services Register are available in the water, phone and public transport sectors. Ask your providers about them.
Other useful information
Durham County Council Winter Wellness Campaign
Stay warm, well and safe this winter – Durham County Council
Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue
Advice on winter tyres and what to look for:
Car tyres | Expert advice | The Car Expert
Vulnerable Persons Herbert Protocol
Herbert Protocol (durham.police.uk)
CDDFRS Water Rescue Capabilities
Sign up for weather and flood warnings so you can be better prepared: