Express News

Councils prepare in case of large scale emergency

11:00am Friday 27th January 2012

TWO parish councils in Somerset have been testing out different ways to care for evacuees in case of a large scale emergency.

Using volunteer staff to establish two emergency accommodation centres, the training exercises in Martock and Long Sutton have been hailed a success.

Calls are now being led by Somerset County Council for more parishes to register their interest to develop their own plans and volunteer teams.

“Today’s test has been a real success in more ways than one,” said Cllr David Hall, cabinet member responsible for civil contingencies.

“We set participants the challenge of planning for large numbers of evacuees affected by the fictitious, yet potentially real-life situation of an unexploded Second World War bomb having been discovered on a Yeovil housing estate.

“To make things as real as possible the bomb scenario has been played out over the past few days, and has included the parishes being put officially on alert, holding emergency meetings and then today being given real life scenarios to deal with, such as handling evacuees concerns about their properties, medical requirements or loved ones.

“However, the day was not just about testing the execution of plans, but about those volunteers who gave up their time to make this a real community success.

"Evacuations are times of great stress for people and can be disorientating, so the role of volunteers in providing much needed comfort and support is vital.”

The scenario of the unexploded Second World War bomb was played out over a few days to give participants a feel for what a ‘real life’ emergency might be like.

Parish clerks that wish to register their parishes should to contact Barbara Sharratt on 01823-357180 or on BMSharratt@somerset.gov.uk

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