Emergency planning
A disaster can occur unexpectedly, anywhere, at any time and can take many forms, such as flooding, storms and transport incidents.
To comply with the Civil Contingencies Act we have put plans in place and train our staff in order to respond in an emergency, for example we may be required to set up a rest centre for people that have been evacuated from their homes. Our aim is to ensure that we are prepared for any major emergency, are able to respond to support the emergency services as required, and can assist those affected.
We are part of the Gloucestershire Local Resilience Forum which provides a multi-agency response to major emergencies in the county.
Gloucestershire community risk register
The Gloucestershire Community Risk Register identifies the potential hazards for Gloucestershire, the impacts they might have and the mitigation put in place.
Community resilience
Many communities already help one another in time of need, but experience had shown that those who have spent a bit of time preparing a simple Community Emergency Plan are better able to cope and recover more quickly from emergencies. Through the Local Resilience Forum Community Resilience Group, multi-agency partners work together to promote community resilience in Gloucestershire. The group has developed a community emergency plan template and supporting guidance to help communities produce a plan. Gloucestershire Rural Community Council has developed some additional guidance on Places of Safety and has useful emergency planning guidance and Community Emergency Planning Toolkit on their website.
If you do prepare a plan we would be grateful if you could then share it with our emergency planning team as this will allow us to work closely with you should an emergency occur. Please email your emergency plan to [email protected].
Priority service users
If you or a member of your household are vulnerable you may be eligible to register for Utility Priority Services. Please visit the below links to register;
Most energy providers also have a user priority register so you may also like to also register directly with them.
Business Continuity Management
Business Continuity Management is a process that helps to manage the risks of the running of an organisation and aims to ensure it can continue to operate during a disruption.
The Gloucestershire Local Resilience Forum provides advice and guidance to businesses and voluntary sector organisations about preparing for an emergency.
Planning for emergencies – guidance for pet owners
We recommend that you have a plan ready to ensure your pets are cared for in case you are evacuated from your home in an emergency. The best way to ensure that your pet is safe is to agree with friends or family in advance that you will take in each other’s pets should an emergency occur. Ensure that this pet sitter does not live in the immediate area in case they are also affected by the emergency. It is also a good idea to have two emergency places planned for your pets to stay, in case one set of people are unable to help for some reason when you need them.
Prepare – include pet specific items in your own emergency kit including:
- Carrier for each pet
- Litter tray and litter
- Tinned or dried food
- Bowls
- A photograph of your pet for identification purposes – if possible of you and your pet together as if you become separated this can be useful in finding and identifying your pet and proving ownership
- Lead, collar and identity disc
- Any medication that your pet needs
If you have advance warning of an evacuation, e.g. due to weather conditions, try to place your pets somewhere safe such as a local cattery or boarding kennels in advance.
Consider outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs – it may be safe to leave them at home but make sure their hutches are of good condition and weather tight and consider moving them into a shed, garage or other suitable covered location. Ensure that you leave them an adequate supply of food and water
You can download our guide for advice on what to do with your pets, larger animals and livestock, during a major emergency.
Weather advice
Please see:
- the government's advice on getting ready for winter and
- the Environment Agency's National Flood Campaign
Our offices are open 9am to 4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4:30pm on Friday.
- Call 01594 810000 during opening hours or
- Call 01594 810000 outside opening hours and if it is an emergency situation
Waste collections are sometimes disrupted due to winter weather; if this is the case we will publicise details online.
Help preparing for and responding to an emergency
The Gloucestershire Local Resilience Forum has produced the ‘Are you ready’ booklet to provide clear practical advice to help you prepare for and respond to an emergency. You can significantly reduce the risks for you, your family, and your property by being informed and ready to respond to events.