Helping Wells prepare for and respond to emergencies
Wells City Council has adopted a new Community Resilience Plan to help Wells prepare for and respond to major emergencies.
The plan brings together local resources, community organisations and volunteers, helping the Council work alongside emergency services and other partner agencies to support residents, businesses and visitors during a major incident.
What is community resilience?
Community resilience is about communities and individuals using local knowledge, skills and resources to help themselves during an emergency, alongside the work of the emergency services.
By planning in advance, Wells City Council can help coordinate the local response and make use of established relationships with community organisations, volunteers and partner agencies.
What does the plan cover?
The Community Resilience Plan identifies a range of risks that could affect Wells, including:
- Flooding
- Severe weather
- Power outages
- Fire
- Water supply failure
The plan sets out how the Council and its community partners can prepare for these situations and coordinate local resources to support the wider community.
How will the Council communicate during an emergency?
Clear, consistent and accessible communication is an important part of the Council's emergency response.
During an emergency, residents should look to Wells City Council's official website and social media channels for the latest information. The Council will also work with partner organisations to share important updates.
Information will be factual, accessible and coordinated, with the Council working with partner agencies to help address misinformation and rumours.
If digital channels cannot be accessed, alternative methods such as door-to-door checks and printed notices may be used.
How can you prepare?
Residents also have an important role to play in building community resilience.
You can help by:
- Taking reasonable steps to prepare your household for emergencies
- Knowing where to find reliable and up-to-date information
- Staying informed during an emergency
- Supporting local community organisations and volunteering where appropriate
- Considering the needs of vulnerable members of your household or community
We've prepared some practical tips that you can employ in your own household to strengthen emergency preparedness. You can view them here.
Flood resilience support
Wells Rotary, with support from EVAG, is offering flood resilience support kits to homes that are vulnerable to flooding.
If you think your home may benefit from a flood resilience support kit, please contact Wells Rotary through its website to arrange an appointment.
Click here to view the Wells Rotary website.
Somerset Council has also produced a new Flood Reporting form and provides advice on what to do if your home is about to be flooded. By submitting a flooding report, you are helping to:
- track flooding and repeat locations across Somerset
- coordinate with other organisations
- investigate significant incidents
- plan ways to reduce future flood risk
Click here to view the Somerset Council Flooding Reporting form.
The role of the Community Resilience Plan
The Community Resilience Plan is intended to support the response to major incidents affecting the wider community.
It does not replace arrangements for individual household emergencies or the role of the emergency services.
During an emergency, always follow the advice and instructions of the emergency services and other relevant authorities.
Further information
For the latest information during an emergency, check the Wells City Council website and official social media channels.