Frequently Asked Questions for Emergency Planning
Please find below answers to common questions relating to emergency planning.
For further information:
Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager
Telephone: 023 8083 2427
Email: emergency.planning@southampton.gov.uk
Hours: Monday - Thursday; 0830 - 1700, Friday; 0830 -1630
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I've got an emergency and the Council's offices are closed, what should I do?
The Council has an out-of-hours service which deals with emergencies ranging from the resident's Community Alarm System and emergencies requiring help from social services, to council house repairs and dangerous buildings.
Main switchboard 023 8022 3855
between 8:30am - 5pm Weekdays (4:30pm Fridays), weekends and public holidays.
Out of hours service for emergencies 023 8023 3344.
You can use this number to contact Emergency Planning, Community Alarm, Community Care Services, Children's Services & Learning, Social Care, Highways and Environmental Health, Trees, as well as for emergency work to council homes.
2. How does the Council respond to the possibility of a terrorist attack?
The council works closely with the police and other emergency services. All council resources are available to support the police and emergency services should such an attack occur locally. We work closely with them to ensure our arrangements are effective and efficient.
3. There is much talk of drought, water shortage and heatwave. Where can I get advice on how to deal with these?
Staff in the emergency planning unit work with numerous other agencies and organisations to ensure that plans exist to cater for most common emergencies and that advice is readily available for the public. In respect of 'Drought and water Shortage' and 'Heatwave' please see the associated links.
4. What planning does the Council undertake to deal with a major emergency or disaster?
- The team is in constant liaison with emergency services and other agencies.
- A Major Incident Plan has been prepared.
- There is an Emergency Team of professionals and volunteers from council staff to respond to incidents at any time.
- Regular Exercising and training is undertaken.
5. Does the Council supply sandbags to commercial premises in danger of flooding?
The city council does not normally provide sandbags. Businesses should prepare for flooding and include their arrangements within their own Busines Continuity Plans.
6. What do I do with old sandbags or are they collected by the Council?
Skips may be provided by the Council depending on the nature and scale of the flooding.
7. In the event of a flood, does the Council supply sandbags to domestic premises?
Householders should consider purchasing sand & sandbags from local builders merchants before any flooding event arises. Especially if it their property is in a known flood risk area.
Modern expanding light weight bags are also available - see Environment Agency website at:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/
8. Who else may be able to supply sandbags?
Some local companies are:
Jewson (Woolston & Thornill)
Travis Perkins (Albert Road)
Build Centre (Knowle Hill, Easteigh)
Others are available see Yellow Pages.
9. Can I store sandbags for re-use?
Probably not as they would be contaminated if exposed to flood water. If unused but kept in the open the bag may eventually deteriorate. They are also heavy to lift once filled with sand.
10. What planning does the Council undertake to deal with a major emergency or disaster?
Last updated: 18 September 2008
