Residents in the village will be aware that in many respects the village is vulnerable to unforeseen happenings which require a response from the village as a whole. Examples of this are the possibility of flooding in Lower Street which although unlikely has and does happen from time to time. Similarly there could be a serious railway or motorway accident which requires help from the village in the forms of accommodation and/or volunteer effort. Finally there is always the risk that an aircraft disaster at or around the airport would require similar support from the village.
Of course the emergency services: police, fire and ambulance will take the first
steps to deal with these problems but thereafter the village, supported by the
district council emergency staff, would be required to report and provide local
knowledge and special skills which may not be readily available otherwise. In
addition there would be the possibility of providing emergency accommodation
in the various public halls in the village which would require supervision and
management by villagers. All these tasks require prior planning and preparation
which is carried out by the appropriate public departments and in Stansted by
the Parish Emergency Planning Committee, which is formed from elected members
of the Parish Council and interested volunteers. The task of the committee is
to prepare plans in outline to meet any likely problems, to keep these up to
date and to take action if and when an emergency occurs.
An emergency is any one
of the possible problems mentioned above, but whether action is to be taken
or not will be decided either nationally or by County or District Councils who,
depending on the task, will inform the Parish Committee, who will in turn call
out committee members or other volunteers for action.
In Stansted, in emergency,
the committee meet in the Parish Council offices, Crafton Green where they will
decide, based on information received, what actions are to be taken and establish
communications by telephone or runner with the appropriate officers. The volunteers
required to assist will be called by the telephone or runner. Thereafter all
action will be taken as required until a stand down is directed.
In the event of a call out, in the first instance contact will be made in a
cascade system where Parish Staff and Committee members are called by telephone
in the following order
a) by day in office hoursParish Clerk 01279 812314
b) by day out of office hours:
Richard Wallace 01279-812588, 01279-812471
John Salmon 01279-814789, 0705-0029721
Alternatives:
Bridget Gott 814440
John Hudson 814489
Edward Pretty 874433
Peter Deeks 813806
Geoffrey Sell 815925
Ruth Rawlinson 814222c) By night: as at b) above
As readers will have realised, the emergency committee depends entirely on the
willing voluntary support of residents in the village either in terms of active
work or by provision of special skills (for example medical, nursing, engineering,
languages, social management, catering, driving, radio operating and watch keeping)
to give a few examples. Any reader who feels they can make a contribution should
telephone their home phone number, address and skill to the chairman of the
Parish Emergency Plan Committee (01279 812588) so these details can be recorded.
The committee appreciates that work commitments will mean that not every volunteer
will be available at all times or even in emergency but if all submit their
details as being ready to help, contact can be made to establish when individuals
are available. In this way some skills will be ready most of the time.
This brief outline of the Parish Emergency Scheme and how individuals may contribute
is published for the benefit of all so they are aware of what is planned and
how they may help. All are requested to take note and register as soon as they
feel able. As good citizens a contribution of this nature should be an obliagation,
please therefore make a contribution.
This information is published for the assistance of readers and does not replace any information published by the District Council in leaflet form or in the parish newsletter from time to time.
Readers requiring more information should use the contact telephone numbers shown below
Readers should be aware that flooding can take place without warning and at any time when the weather is inclement. They should be prepared for this by ensuring that their property is as weather‑proof as possible and that all drains and associated water removal systems are free running. Readers must remember that it is their responsibility to protect their property not that of local authorities.
Stansted's Flood Hotspots
Floods can occur very quickly If you aren't prepared now, you may not have time to get ready once the flooding starts. You may have been aware of the following notices on weather forecasts, this is what they mean:
Listen to the television and local radio bulletins for updates on flood warnings and other advice
You can also call the environment agency's Floodline or even register for their direct warning service
Don't leave valuables items where they might be damaged Pile up furniture if you can and put valuable items 1ike photographs or electrical equipment up high. Tie up your curtains and roll up your carpets if you can.
Don't leave power supplies on. Turn off the electricity and gas at the first sign of flooding to your property.
Don't forget special requirements. If you are taking regular medication make sure you have it with you.
Don't forget to secure and seal al1 your rubbish and any chemicals.
Do move your car to higher ground. It only takes two feet of fast flowing water to wash your car away. A number of cars have been written off in Lower Street floods.
Don't speed through floodwater. Your bow wave can overtop sandbags and garden walls and your engine will be wrecked instantly if it reaches the air intake.
Don't attempt to cross any water unless your can be sure you can make it through.Do check on your neighbours Do they need your help? Someone near you may not be able to escape upstairs. Or they may be unable to move furniture on their own.
Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing any thing in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.
Have an emergency supply kit with a torch, blankets, first aid kit etc.
Don't walk in floodwater that is above knee level, it can easily knock you off your feet. The water could cover open manholes, road works or objects and you won't be able to see them. Remember fatalities in the Gloucester floods of 2007.
Don't touch items that have been in contact with the water. Flood water is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage. Disinfect and clean thoroughly everything that has got wet.
It is essential to fill and lay sandbags correctly. They must not be over-filled (no more than half to 3/4 full) and when laid, well stamped down to force the upper bags to mould themselves to the lower bags. Build up the layers like brickwork with the bottom row butted up tight to each other, end to end and well stamped down before laying the second row on top. If the wall is more that two sandbags high, there should be double line of bottom sandbags, followed by a second double line, then a single line on top.
If you are unable to get ready-made sandbags, you can make your own sandbags using compost bags, carrier bags or pillowcases filled with sand or earth. Put a plastic sheet down first to act as an extra seal.
When protecting your home against flooding, all possible water entry points shou1d be examined and sealed, including airbricks, air vents, catflaps and openings for electricity, gas, and water. If you do seal any gas vents remember to switch off the gas supply first to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide gas in your home.
Do open your doors and windows to ventilate your home. It takes a brick about a month to dry out 1 inch. Do take care to ensure your house is secure. Remember to unblock airbricks and doorways.
Do wash your hands with disinfectant if you come into direct contact with the water. Watch out for any broken glass or nails while you're clearing up. Wear gloves and cover wounds.
Do check in Yellow Pages under Flood Damage for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.
Do wash taps and run them for few minutes before use. Mains tap water should not be contaminated but check with your local water company if you're concerned.
Don't attempt to operate any damaged electrical goods until they have been checked by a certified electrical engineer. Floodwater conducts electricity.
Don't attempt to operate any gas appliance until a certified gas engineer has checked them Be careful with naked flames. Gas pockets oil and other contaminants can bui1d up in and around floodwater.
Don't eat food that has come into contact with the water - floodwater contains sewage and other contaminants.
Disinfect surfaces especially food preparation areas.
Don't walk through fast Flowing water in the home or outside just six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Be careful of holes and dips when moving around. Use a stick to gauge depth.
Do take up sections of damaged floor boards, carpet, wall tiles, wet furnishings clean off mud and contaminants, wash with disinfectant and leave them to dry outside if possible. Generally discard items but speak with your insurance company first.
Don't attempt to dry out paper or photographs. Place them in a plastic bag and if possible place them in the fridge.
Keep a list useful numbers to hand eg: your local council, the emergency services, your insurance company and Floodline - 0845 988 1188
Local Radio: BBC Essex 103.5 FM or Radio Essex 102.6 FM
Have a few sandbags or floorboards prepared to block doorways and airbricks.
Make up a Flood Kit, including a torch, blankets, waterproof clothing, Wellingtons, a portable radio, first aid kit, rubber gloves and key personal documents. Keep it upstairs, if possible.
Talk about possible flooding with your family or those you live with. Consider writing a Flood Plan, and store these notes with your Flood Kit.
Make sure you know where to turn off your gas and electricity.
What about your pets? Where will you move them to if a flood is on the way?
Floodline 0845 988 1188
Uttlesford District Council 01799 510510
Stansted Emergency Planning Committee 01279 813214, 812471 or 812588 (limited supply of sandbags available)
Sandbag Stockists - stocks are obtained through the UDC Emergency Planning Officer (01799 510510)
