Agenda item

To discuss communications in emergency situations in order to consider if the Council should have a policy document – if so the Town Clerk would suggest that this is referred to the Policy, Governance & Finance Committee.

The Committee was asked by the Town Clerk to discuss communications in emergency situations in order to consider if the Council should have a policy document.  The Communications Officers suggested a Community Resilience page on the website signposting the public to various agencies and services.  Members discussed what it should cover - adverse weather, flooding / sandbags, pandemic, fire, accidents, medical needs such as power to equipment, map of defibrillator locations were suggestions.  The Committee was advised that the District Council was preparing a response document on the recent flooding.

RECOMMENDED:           

1.            that the Communications Officer creates a Community Resilience page on the Town Council’s website to signpost residents to information and assistance in emergency situations;

2.            that better relations are fostered between the Town and District Council in this respect;

3.            that the Town Clerk drafts a policy document and emergency plan for presentation to a future Policy, Governance and Finance Committee for adoption;

4.            that the Committee wishes to thank members past and present for their assistance during the Christmas flooding.