Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

What are the chances?

In June 2007, Doncaster experienced the worst natural disaster in 60 years when flooding affected many thousands of Doncaster residents with over 5000 properties (residential and business) being affected by the floods to varying degrees. The aftermath of this disaster and the flood recovery will affect thousands of people for many years to come.

Tragedies such as 9/11, the Lockerbie Air Disaster, the Great Heck train crash, and the attacks in London in July 2005 constantly threaten to disrupt our communities and remind us that the unthinkable can happen. Most of us will never expect to face a major disaster situation during our lifetime.

The causes of major disasters can be either natural (eg weather related) or man made (eg travel related, toxic hazards or as a result of terrorism). An in depth assessment of vulnerabilities in the area has been carried out and further details can be found in the South Yorkshire Community Risk Register, details of which are available on the South Yorkshire Emergencies website.

It is essential that Local Authority services are maintained during emergencies, that any victims are properly cared for and that the affected community is provided with the best possible support to re-establish normality.

Doncaster Council's support

Doncaster Council will endeavour to provide a high level of service to the victims and the community, in the face of disaster.

Local Authorities have powers under the Local Government Act 1972 to incur expenditure in order to avert, alleviate or eradicate the effects of an emergency.

During and following a disaster Doncaster Council will:

• Actively support the emergency services in all areas of work
• Lead the community in recovering from the disaster and assist the return to normality
• Maintain normal services

To assist in this process, Doncaster Council has a small Emergency Planning Unit.

The Emergency Planning Unit

• Prepares plans to ensure a co-ordinated, speedy and efficient response to any major emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Ensures that statutory requirements are met
• Works with our partners, the emergency services, utilities and other agencies to ensure plans are integrated

Speakers can be made available to increase awareness within the community. If you are interested in learning more, please raise the issue at your local community forum, or call (01302) 736000 for more details.

During the flood emergency (June 2007), the Emergency Control Centre was staffed 24 hours a day from 25 June to 3 July. Staff working at the Public Information Help Line were kept busy providing advice to around 2,500 residents per day. 245,000 sandbags were filled to protect homes and at one point the Borough was under 1.8 million cubic meters of water, which is equivalent of 6 square miles.

During an Emergency
Doncaster Council and the Emergency Services will provide up to date information to local radio stations.

To find out what is happening, don’t pick up the telephone, tune in to local radio

Radio frequencies (for use in the Doncaster area):

• BBC Radio Sheffield 104.1 FM
• Trax FM 107.1
• Hallam FM 103.4

Doncaster Council Public Information "Helpline"

The Helpline will answer questions and offer advice relating to the emergency. The activation of the Helpline will be announced over the local radio, including the telephone number to be used.

Health Authority Advice

If an emergency is health related, advice will be given using the resources of NHS Direct.

Useful Sites and Numbers

 Water | Environment Agency | NHS Direct | Police | South Yorkshire Emergencies website

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Community Fire Safety Hotline 0114 253 2314 (this will be operated by civilian staff who will be able to offer advice and leaflets on fire safety issues to the public)

Floodline 08459 881188
NHS Direct 0845 4647
Police 0114 220 2020 (when NOT an emergency)