The Flood Hub

This blog been written by a member of the Newground Flood Team.

Flooding, extreme weather, power cuts, and even moorland fires, the UK faces a wide range of emergencies every year. In 2020, the world also faced the unexpected challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19), a stark reminder of just how vital community resilience is for keeping people safe and supported during difficult times.

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What Is Community Resilience?

Community resilience means preparing in advance for the emergencies that could affect your local area. The more resilient a community is, the better it can respond to crises and reduce their impact.

Key parts of being resilient include:

• Staying informed – keep up to date with local news, weather warnings, and radio broadcasts.
• Creating a community emergency plan – having a written plan ensures everyone knows what to do, where to go, and how to help during an emergency.

 

A good community resilience plan can include:

• Details of who may be vulnerable and who can provide support
• Key contact numbers (local council, emergency services, utility providers)
• Emergency procedures to follow in different situations
• Locations of emergency assistance centres
• Resources available in the community, such as defibrillators
• Skills within the community, such as first aid or emergency response training

By having this information in one place, communities can act quickly and effectively when an emergency happens.

 

Preparing for Emergencies in Winter

Winter often brings added risks, from storms and floods to flu outbreaks and icy roads. Preparing as a community can make all the difference. Here are some key emergencies to plan for:

 

Flooding

The UK has seen severe flooding in recent years. For example, Storms Ciara, Dennis and Jorge (2020) caused flooding to over 3,500 properties, alongside travel disruption, business closures, and power cuts.

With new storm seasons approaching, communities can improve flood resilience by:

• Ensuring every household and business has a flood plan
• Signing vulnerable residents up to the electricity priority service register
• Keeping drains clear of leaves and debris to reduce local flood risk

 

 

Flu and Cold-Related Illnesses

Winter also brings a rise in flu and respiratory illnesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities showed how powerful local support networks can be, whether through food deliveries, phone check-ins, or buddy systems for isolated residents.

Simple steps like checking in on elderly neighbours or supporting those with health conditions can make communities stronger and healthier in the colder months.

 

Autumn Leaves and Icy Weather

Cold weather can cause everyday hazards, from slippery pavements to blocked drains from autumn leaves. Communities can prepare by:

• Clearing leaves from pavements and drains to prevent slips and reduce surface water flooding
• Spreading grit or salt on icy paths and roads, especially near vulnerable residents’ homes
• Offering help with food shopping, transport, or simply making daily phone calls to those who may struggle in icy conditions

 

 

Building Year-Round Community Resilience

While winter brings particular challenges, communities should be ready for emergencies at any time of year. These can include:

• Severe flooding and storms
• Power cuts
• Fires and moorland blazes
• Travel disruption and accidents
• Animal disease outbreaks
• Pandemic flu or other health crises

The key is to plan, prepare, and support one another.

 

Helpful Resources for Community Emergency Planning

Organisations such as ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT) provide excellent guidance, including advice, templates, and leaflets for creating a Community Emergency Plan.

 

Download the below resource here for more information regarding community resilience.