Following the events of "Storm Desmond" in 2015, Lancaster City Council Civil Contingencies Department requested that Parish Councils across the District establish Community Emergency Plan groups. This led to a small group of people from the Parish Council and local churches setting up a group to respond in the event of a future community emergency. The current Plan can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
The intention of the Plan is not to take the place of emergency services or agencies but provide support locally if called on to do so by any of the emergency services. The activations and actions are limited to the items listed below. Residents are advised to make preparations for flooding or other emergencies, particularly if they are in an area of the Parish that is susceptible. The following telephone numbers and websites are useful in an emergency situation.
- If you are in immediate danger Call 999
- Electricity Information & Reporting Call 105 National Telephone Number, who will put through to local operator
- Emergency Call Centre Lancaster City Council 01524 67099 24-hour call centre
- Emergency Planning Service Lancashire County Council 08450 530000
- Flood Hub Cross agency https://thefloodhub.co.uk A one stop shop for flood information and resources to support householder, businesses and communities across the North West
- Location of Defibrillators Call 999 for access code Outside Memorial Hall, Hanging Green Lane, Hest Bank (Available 24 hours a day) St Luke's Primary School, Shady Lane, Hest Bank (Available in school hours only) Outside Spar Shop, 160 Coastal Road, Bolton le Sands (Available 24 hours a day) SwH Tennis Club (Available when the club is open)
- SwH Community Emergency Plan Agreed Activation Triggers When a Severe Flood Warning is issued by the Environment Agency for the village. When Police, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster City Council, Fire Service or Environment Agency contacts the coordinator to set up a Rest Centre. If there is a significant utilities failure (electricity, water, gas etc) across the village affecting a significant number of properties for an extended period, dependent on time of day and temperature. When a Severe Weather Warning has been issued for forecast conditions likely to affect the SwH community. When an extended period of hot weather could put vulnerable residents at risk.