Residents and businesses are urged to be better prepared for emergencies
Residents and businesses across the Chichester District are being encouraged to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies and unexpected disruptions as part of the Governments new Be Ready campaign.
The campaign aims to help households become more resilient in the face of a range of potential risks, including severe weather, power outages, cyber-attacks and supply chain disruption. By taking a few practical steps now, residents can be better prepared if essential services such as electricity, water, phone networks or the internet are temporarily affected.
Councillor Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Strategy at Chichester District Council, says: "We all hope emergencies won't happen, but recent years have shown how quickly severe weather, power outages and other unexpected events can disrupt our daily lives.
"That's why I'm pleased to support and promote the new national Be Ready campaign, which encourages households to take some simple steps to be better prepared if essential services such as electricity, water, phone networks or the internet are temporarily affected.
"At the heart of the campaign is a straightforward message: being prepared to cope for up to three days can make a real difference during an emergency. It can help keep you and your family safe and comfortable, while allowing emergency services and support agencies to focus on those who are most vulnerable.
"The good news is that being prepared doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Start with what you already have at home and gradually build your emergency kit to suit the needs of your household. This could involve setting a reminder every six months to check expiry dates and swap out items that need replacing, or to update your kit if your households needs have changed. Small actions taken now can make a significant difference later."
Residents are encouraged to consider putting together some basic supplies, such as bottled water, long-life food, a torch with spare batteries, essential medicines and a fully charged power bank. The campaign also encourages people to think about the specific needs of their household and to make plans for how they would stay informed if communications networks were disrupted.
The council is also encouraging eligible residents to sign up to the Priority Services Register, which provides additional support from utility providers during power, gas or water outages. Many households qualify, including families with children under five, people with disabilities and those with certain health conditions. Residents can check if they are eligible and sign up at www.thepsr.co.uk
As well as preparing individually, residents and businesses are reminded of the important role that communities play during emergencies.
Jonathan adds: "One of the greatest strengths of our district is the willingness of people to look out for one another. During difficult times, neighbours, community groups and local volunteers often play a vital role in supporting those who need help most.
"As a council, we work closely with partner organisations to prepare for emergencies and help keep our communities informed and supported. The Be Ready campaign complements this work by encouraging all of us to think ahead and take practical steps that can help reduce the impact of unexpected disruption.
"I would encourage residents and businesses to take a few minutes to visit the campaign website, complete the household checklist and consider what actions they could take today to help them be better prepared tomorrow."
People can find out more about the Be Ready campaign and access a household emergency checklist atwww.gov.uk/BeReady
Residents and businesses are also encouraged to sign up for monthly email newsletters from Chichester District Council at www.chichester.gov.uk/newsaler... and follow the council's social media channels. Information about preparing for emergencies is also available at www.chichester.gov.uk/emergenc...