Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Somerset’s efforts to prepare communities for floods, wildfires and other emergencies will be the main focus at a resilience event this month, with a focus on how younger generations can help shape future emergency planning.
The Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day takes place at Millfield School in Street on Wednesday, 21st October, bringing together councillors, community groups and emergency services to share practical advice and recognise local people who have helped others through difficult times.
The free event comes after Somerset experienced both flooding and drought this year, highlighting the challenges communities face from increasingly varied weather conditions.
Organisers want to explore how young people can contribute fresh ideas and local knowledge to emergency planning, working alongside experienced volunteers and community organisations.
The programme includes sessions on Hampshire’s Young People’s Emergency Response scheme and work by the National Flood Forum and local flood action groups to engage schools in flood preparedness.
Martin Parham, a lecturer in disaster management at the University of Manchester, will deliver the keynote address, drawing on his experience of involving young people in resilience planning in Manchester and the Caribbean.
He said: “Young people have so much to offer when it comes to building resilient communities, but too often they’re left out of the conversation.
“My experiences from work in Manchester and the Caribbean tell me that when you give young people a genuine role in resilience planning, they bring energy, ideas and connections that have great potential benefits.
“I’m looking forward to sharing that experience in Somerset and seeing how it can help shape the work happening here.”
Alongside the youth-focused sessions, workshops will help participants develop emergency plans, prepare for wildfires and understand weather patterns such as El Niño.
A practical demonstration will show what three days’ worth of food and water for a household looks like, while Somerset Council will provide an update on the Somerset Flood Resilience Fund.
The day will conclude with the Community Resilience Awards, celebrating people who have gone above and beyond to help their communities prepare for or cope with emergencies.
Dr Bel Deering, community engagement officer for Somerset Rivers Authority, said: “Emergencies can happen at any time, and the communities that cope best are often those who have already taken time to plan ahead.
“This event gives everyone the chance to learn directly from the organisations who respond to emergencies across Somerset, and to take away practical tools they can use straight away.”
Flood preparedness will also be in the spotlight as the Environment Agency’s annual Flood Action Week begins on Monday, 12th October.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of flood risks and explain the steps people can take to protect themselves and their property. Residents can also sign up for free flood warnings through the government’s Flood Action campaign.
Emma Giffard, flood resilience engagement adviser for the Environment Agency, said: “Flooding remains one of the most significant risks facing communities across Somerset, and local knowledge is one of our most powerful tools in managing that risk.
“This Community Resilience Day is a fantastic opportunity for community representatives to meet the people and organisations who can support them, see equipment demonstrations, and get hands-on advice tailored to their area.”
The Somerset Prepared Community Resilience Day is organised by the Somerset Prepared Partnership and funded by Somerset Rivers Authority. The partnership brings together organisations including Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Avon and Somerset Police, the British Red Cross and the South Western Ambulance Service.
Members of the public and media can reserve a free place through Eventbrite. Ticket sales close on 14th October.
Further information on preparing for emergencies at home, at work and in the community is available at Somerset Prepared.
( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )