Village Emergency Plan

This year was the twentieth anniversary of the great storm of 1997. Fortunately, the strongest winds occurred in the early hours of the morning when few people where about. Had it occurred during a normal working day it is likely that the death toll of 16 would have been substantially higher.

As it was, an estimated 15 million trees were uprooted including one third of the famous Kew Gardens in London. Roads and railways were blocked and most people found it impossible to travel to work the following day. A Sealink cross channel ferry was blown ashore at Folkestone. Clearing up took much time and effort. Electricity supplies were gradually restored using crews brought in from the north of England that had escaped the severe damage. Some rural areas, including Wisborough Green, were still without mains power several days later. Insurance claims reached an all time record amount - and prompted an increase in premiums in 1988!

Weather forecasters were heavily criticised after the event, TV weatherman Michael Fish came in for a large amount of criticism after he commented on a viewer’s query, “a lady has rung in to ask if there is going to be a hurricane tonight ...... there is not!" This comment came to represent the public's view of the failure to not only predict but also to react to the impending storm.

The storm was an exceptional event and there was a lack of real-time data that would have enabled the sudden drop in pressure and its changing course to be observed. It was a quite exceptional storm for the UK and many regarded it as a hurricane. But a true hurricane has winds that are far stronger (120 to 160 mph) and brings far greater quantities of rain than fell during the passage of this storm. As a result of the criticism the Met Office has improved their severe weather warnings and these are now much more readily and frequently distributed.

This was the 'One in 300 years' event that shook everyone - with far higher winds and destruction than had been recorded since 1709. But another severe storm swept across England on 25th January 1990 - just 27 months later! Global warming may have been a factor, certainly the UK is experiencing massive changes in weather patterns.

The scenario of the village being isolated due to blocked roads, no power, limited communications, damaged homes and people requiring medical attention is a frightening one - but by preparing ourselves now it is something the village will be able to deal with.

Wisborough Green Parish Council is therefore putting in place a Community Based Emergency Plan in order to enable the Parish to respond in an appropriate and effective manor to a major incident by assisting and supporting the District Council and the emergency services in harmony with their existing arrangements. In addition in the event of isolation, to respond by self help within the capabilities of the community until support from the emergency responders is available.

Three Parish Councillors have become Emergency Co-ordinators and they have now developed the plan for the village. This will include a co-ordinated plan of action, a list of volunteers and a refuge for those villagers displaced from their homes and a stock of emergency equipment. In addition the Parish Council will also be publishing a self-help guide in preparing for and dealing with potential emergencies.

In an emergency situation the Village Hall will become the focal point to provide shelter, warmth and basic refreshment. In addition a list of villagers who would be able and prepared to assist, will be created in the following areas;

If you feel you would be able to assist with the above, in the event of an emergency, then please contact the Parish Council. Plus do you have a skill or experience of dealing with real emergency situations that you would like to share with us, then we would like to hear from you.

We all hope the above scenario never happens but if it did - then the Parish of Wisborough Green would be well prepared.