Welcome to the Somerset Prepared spring update - despite the weather!

When we wrote to you last in December the majority of winter weather we'd experienced in Somerset had been the high winds and heavy rain brought by Storms Aileen, Brian and Caroline. Just as it seemed spring was on the way, the widespread disruption caused by the strong winds, heavy snowfall and freezing rain of Storm Emma struck the South West.

Amid reports of transport disruption, school closures and power failures, plans to keep vital services up and running were implemented by responding agencies; voluntary groups were quick to provide critical resources, often going where others couldn't; and communities activated plans to look after their most vulnerable residents.

In such challenging conditions keeping safe is truly a collective effort that everyone can play a part in. Whether it's looking after yourself and your household, checking on a vulnerable neighbour or volunteering with a recognised agency, there are lots of ways to get prepared or get involved. For more tips and guidance on doing this visit our website and get in touch, a member of the team will be glad to help. 

In the meantime we hope you enjoy the rest of the newsletter and find the resources we've put together useful, particularly the brand new Home Emergency Plan template to help your household prepare for the unexpected.

Best wishes,

Somerset Local Authorities' Civil Contingencies Unit