Tatham Parish Council Community Emergency Plan

1.0 Planning for an emergency

1.1 Context and Purpose

This plan is not intended to replace nor duplicate the function of the emergency services and is most certainly not a substitute for dialling 999 if there is a risk to life: its main function is to complement the work of the organisations involved in any emergency.
The plan is intended to prepare for and coordinate action in the event of any emergencies that could affect the welfare and safeguarding of the community of Tatham Parish, as well as ensuring the safety of any visitors to the parish. The intention is to highlight the actions needed to help individuals and those around them in the event of circumstances that are the result of a local emergency. In so doing it is anticipated that the impact of the emergency is mitigated in the short and longer term. In particular, it is geared to address the needs of those residents who are deemed to be at most risk during such events. It does not exist to create or duplicate existing structures and processes and is therefore primarily concerned with harnessing existing networks and ensuring that there is effective coordination of the various representative agents and groups involved with addressing the issues raised by an emergency.

1.2 Scope of plan

This plan applies to Tatham parish residents as well as those visiting the parish at the time of an emergency. The parish has a small population of just over 700 residents (2021 census), but covers a relatively large area of approximately 15 square miles stretching from the River Wenning in the north to the rough moorland and hills between the River Hindburn and the Yorkshire border in the south; except for a small area in the north, the parish is within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. There are a number of sparsely distributed residences, particularly toward the south east of the parish, which consist of extensive moorland and where there is the special consideration of potentially isolated residents. This applies less so to the rest of the parish which is of a mostly pastoral landscape. It is bordered by several other parishes, the most significant of which, in the context of this plan, are Wray-with-Botton and Wennington. Also, the parish of Bentham and the jurisdiction of the adjoining town council have implications in this respect.

Of particular note are the two main clusters of dwellings at Lowgill and Millhouses. Those residents at Millhouses tend to gravitate toward the village of Wray whilst it is also arguable that those in the vicinity of the Old Moor Road have a strong affinity with Wennington Parish. Liaison with these neighbouring parishes is therefore important for tracking the whereabouts of some residents in the event of a local emergency as they will almost certainly find it easier to access resources in the neighbouring parishes. For some residents the same would apply to the nearby Bentham Parish.

1.3 What might constitute an emergency?

Based on the Lancashire community risk register (2024-25) the following represents a Risk Summary for Tatham Parish Council:

Highest Priority Risks

i) Flooding

– Type: River, surface water, groundwater
– Why it matters: Proximity to River Wenning and minor tributaries.
– Impacts: Property damage, road closures, livestock loss, isolation of homes/farms.

ii) Storms & High Winds

– Why it matters: Rural, upland terrain is exposed to damaging weather.
– Impacts: Power cuts, blocked roads, damage to trees/buildings, service disruption.

iii) Snow & Cold Weather

– Why it matters: Higher elevation and narrow roads make the area prone to snow and ice.
– Impacts: Isolation, heating issues, danger to elderly residents, blocked access routes.

Medium Priority Risks

iv) Wildfire / Heatwaves

– Why it matters: Grassland and moorland nearby can become tinder-dry in summer.
– Impacts: Fire risk to land/property, air quality problems, emergency service pressure.

v) Loss of Utilities

– Why it matters: Rural infrastructure is more vulnerable during storms and cold.
– Impacts: No power, water, heating or telecoms during extreme events.

vi) Animal Disease Outbreak

– Why it matters: Local farms with livestock are at risk.
– Impacts: Movement restrictions, farm income loss, culling scenarios.

Lower Priority but Monitored

vii) Human Disease / Pandemic

– Why it matters: Fewer local health services; rural isolation can affect support.
– Impacts: Strain on community services, supply chain disruption, self-isolation challenges.

viii) Major Industrial Incident

– Why it matters: Low likelihood due to rural location; still relevant county-wide.
– Impacts: Environmental or public health risks from regional events.

Arising from these risks, there are actions which the parish council can take:

• Flood planning: Work with the Environment Agency, check local drains, and maintain ditch clearance.
• Winter readiness: Ensure grit bins are stocked and roads are on county winter treatment maps.
• Communication: Encourage sign-up to public alert systems (e.g. StayInTheKnow.co.uk).
• Check-ins: Organise community support for elderly and isolated residents during adverse events.
• Emergency kits: Recommend each household prepares basic supplies (torch, food, water, power bank, meds).

1.4 Forecasting an Emergency

The following sources of information are important in forecasting potential emergencies:

• Local T.V. and radio stations
• Social Media
• Websites: Met Office, Environment Agency, Lancashire Police (stayintheknow)
• Text/ Email notifications from apps

It is important that residents are aware of these sources and their relevance in terms of pre-empting any emergency.

2.0 Role of Tatham Parish Council

2.1 Identifying Local Relationships

In preparation of the plan an awareness of local relationships, formal and informal, is essential in the efficient and effective coordination of the response needed to ensure the welfare and safety of those residents who have been identified as at particular risk. Informal groups may be a cluster of near neighbours: High Ivah, Old Moor Road, Millhouses. More formal groups that exist in Tatham include the school, churches, Women’s Institute. Finally, other overseeing bodies that could be involved would be: Lancashire Resilience Forum, Environment Agency, Electricity North West, United Utilities as well as contacts in the Emergency Services: Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and North West Ambulance Services being obvious examples.

2.2 Communication and Liaison

The Parish Council should establish a small Community Emergency Plan Group (CEPG) and nominate at least one member who can act as the focal point for the purpose of liaison with the various groups and individuals. This should enable clear lines of communication with various services, local groups and volunteers who may assist in bringing the plan into operation. In most circumstances the police will be responsible for the coordination of other agencies, but one point of contact from the parish would enable them to carry out their duties more efficiently.

This role is particularly important as damage could disrupt phone signals and internet links and in these circumstances walkie talkies, public notice boards, and word of mouth may be used in carrying out agreed actions. It is important to have a first point of contact with each voluntary organisation in order to communicate with residents.

2.3 Identification of those most vulnerable residents

Those who are directly involved in carrying out the action plan will need to know the location and whereabouts of those deemed to be most vulnerable, depending on the nature of the emergency. Vulnerability, in this respect, is not always obvious and so criteria to establish who is vulnerable might be as follows: isolation, disability, health, age, physical needs, recent release from hospital, difficulty understanding instructions as well as any transient groups such as visitors.

Agencies that may help in developing a list might be the local medical practices as well as Electricity North West (priority List). Consultation with previously mentioned groups such as the Women’s Institute is also an important source of information and there should also be a system of self-referral as well as referral by others. Local businesses reliant on services and work from home support might also be identified

2.4 Resource Implications.

In an emergency it imperative that the Parish Council is aware of the resources and skills available to the community in order to carry out the actions needed to manage the emergency and address the needs of those members who are high priority; the purpose being that everybody is safe and secure and nobody on the priority list, in particular, is isolated and in a situation of having to cope on their own. The following should be considered:

• People: volunteers; local groups. along with skills resources that may be needed such as fire marshals, first aiders, tractor drivers, chain saw operators, amateur radio operators etc.
• Physical: transport, chain saws, first aid kits, walkie talkies, wind up torches, power banks, defibrillators (and their locations).
• Key locations: Lowgill Old School, Wray Community Hall, Wennington Station, Bridge Inn, St James the Less.

2.5 Insurance cover of councillors and volunteers by Tatham.

The Parish Council needs to ensure that there is appropriate insurance in place to cover those council members and residents who are involved in the execution of the action plan at any level.