Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg

Civil Protection Unit

The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is responsible for ensuring the Council is adequately prepared for, and able to respond to, incidents or disasters that affect the Vale.

 

The Council has a statutory responsibility under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to prepare plans for civil protection and respond to emergency situations.

 

In the immediate aftermath of an incident, the CPU coordinates the Council's response and utilises the resources available to support the Emergency Services

 

As the emphasis switches to recovery, the Council will take the lead role in facilitating the rehabilitation of the community and the restoration of the environment.

 

Cabinet Office Resilience
Welsh Government Resilience

 

Business Continuity Plans

Organisations that have business continuity arrangements in place are more likely to stay in business after an incident, as they are more prepared and equipped to help themselves. It is an increasing expectation of insurance companies that organisations will have these preparations in place.

 

For more information please contact:

 

The Civil Protection Unit has also produced a leaflet which you can download called  Preparing for Emergencies.

  •  Be Prepared

    We all hope that an emergency never happens. But if it does, there is some simple advice you can follow to try to minimise any effect it has on you. Above all, the message is to listen to all the instructions you are given by the emergency services and Council staff and to do as you are asked.

     

    Before any emergency takes place: 

    • Check that your home is adequately insured and that everything that you want to be covered, is covered

    • Learn how and where to turn off your water, electricity and gas supplies

    Home Emergency Pack:

    • Lighting (torch/candles) and spare source of power (batteries etc)

    • Cooking equipment (including tin-opener, utensils and cutlery)

    • Drink (cans of juice, bottled water etc)

    • Long life food (check use-by date and refresh supplies regularly)

    • Portable radio and spare batteries

    • Blankets & dry clothing

    • Medication (including baby items)

  •  Clouds of Hazardous Material

    If you are informed that there is a cloud of hazardous material in your area, please take the following steps to protect yourself and your family:

    • Go indoors, stay there and tune into Radio Wales, Capital or Touch Radio & listen for public announcements

    • Close all doors and windows, shut down all ventilation and air conditioning systems and block obvious draughts - remember to unblock these vents before switching everything back on

    • Extinguish all flames for examples, pilot lights
    • Get your own emergency pack & cover or put all food in a closed, sealed cupboard or container

    • Do not use leafy or difficult to wash food & wash and/or peel all fruit and vegetables before eating

    • Do not go outside or try to collect your children from school unless told to do so

    • Do not use any stored rainwater or pet animals that have been outside

     

  •  Contacting Family in an Emergency
    A sudden emergency may mean you need to contact relatives, health services, emergency services and repair services quickly.

     

    It is important to stay calm in an emergency situation and try to only make calls which are absolutely necessary as the telephone system could become overloaded in a major emergency.

     

    Be prepared by:

    • Keep important telephone numbers handy in one location
    • Keep numbers of health workers and other helpers of elderly, disabled or ill people

     

  •  Emergency Evacuation

    Evacuation will only happen in extreme circumstances, but if the situation is to arise there are a few things to remember:

     

    If you discover or are experiencing an emergency situation please call the emergency services: 999. When you dial 999 the first person to answer will be an operator who will ask what emergency service you require. They will ask for your telephone number because, if your line is cut, or you are unable to continue the call, the operator can trace where you are and send assistance.

     

    If a major emergency affects the area in which you live, tune into your local radio station or switch on the TV for advice and information. Listen out for emergency phone numbers that may be released. Information and notification of an incident may also be given from other sources including: a van driving around using loud hailers to inform you, a visit from an officer to tell you personally or other ways.

     

    Be a good neighbour and pass on warnings to those who may have missed the warnings and check on the elderly and infirm.

    Evacuation Process

    If the police ask you to leave your home, do not argue. They are only concerned for your safety. They will know the dangers and risks better than you.

    • You may be asked to go to a Reception /Rest Centre. If you decide to go somewhere else, let the police know, so you can be accounted for.
    • Do not worry if you have special needs, arrangements will be made for you by those responding.
    • If there is time, take along medicines, warm clothes, any special foods, personal documents and immediate valuables food, baskets leads etc for your pets.
    • If you have time before you leave make sure fires are out, follow the advice of the Emergency Services in relation to the turning off of gas, water and electricity.


    Please do not ring the emergency services unless it is a genuine 999 matter. In non-emergency situations please call:111

     

    Please Note: Suggestions made here are for guidance only - always follow the direct instructions of the Emergency Services in the event of an emergency.

  •  Flooding
    Advice and guidance in the case of flooding in the Vale of Glamorgan

     

    In the event of flooding it is important to co-operate fully with the emergency services.

     

    If flooding looks likely, take the following precautions:

    • Put your home emergency pack in a safe, accessible place.
    • Protect doorways and low level vents with sandbags (Remember to unblock vents before switching back on).
    • Move valuables, food and other possessions upstairs where possible.
    • If you are able to self-evacuate and stay with family and friends, inform the emergency services.
    • Assume that flood water contains sewerage.Turn off gas and electricity if flooding is definitely about to happen.
    • If you live in a bungalow, caravan, prefab, or any other dwelling without access to a second storey and you find yourself in difficulty, alert the emergency services so you can be evacuated. 

     

    After Flooding

    • Do not switch on electricity or gas until these have been inspected
    • Do not use food that has been in contact with flood water

     

     

     

    Environment Agency      Met Office        

  •  Severe Storms

    There are some simple steps you can take before, during and after severe storms to minimise the impact they have on your life and your property:

     

    Before

    • Check the TV, internet and radio for the latest information and early warnings
    • Park your car off the road and away from trees and high walls
    • Make sure your house is in good order
    • Secure outdoor items. Bring in as many items as possible that are lying around outside
    • Close windows and draw the curtains to protect against flying glass

      

     

    During

    • Stay away from windows and stay on the ground floor where possible
    • Check the TV, internet and radio for the latest information

     

    After

    • If damage has occurred, inform your landlord or insurers
    • If the water, gas or electricity mains are not working inform the appropriate supplier
    • WITHOUT RISKING PERSONAL SAFETY, rope off or protect any damaged areas to prevent injuries.

     

     

  •  Snow Emergencies
    We are all aware of the impact severe winter weather can have on our lives. We are working to prepare for severe weather to minimise the impact, but everyone can help by preparing for the winter.

     

    Social Care

    Winter weather can have a great impact on our community. You can help by calling on your neighbours to check if they are warm, well and have enough food. The Department of Health’s  Winterwatch website has more health advice during the winter months.

     

    In extreme weather conditions, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) co-ordinates the Council’s critical services and endeavours to minimise any disruption to members of the public, in particular the most vulnerable members of our community.

     

    Meals on Wheels

    The meals on wheels service is classed as a priority and is supported using resources from across the council. We will endeavour to deliver meals on wheels to clients throughout the Vale despite the snow. If necessary, mangers of this service will make every effort to formulate alternative arrangements on a case by case basis and communicate this to you, your family or your carer. 

     

    Home Care

    Home Care (Domiciliary) Services provided both via the Council and Council-funded providers will have the support of the Council home care team. Where funded providers require it, the Council services will support them where possible to ensure care needs of vulnerable service users are met.

     

    Residential Homes

    During severe weather all the Council’s care homes will be fully operational, with staff working patterns that are flexible to ensure that the residents are looked after.

     

    Day Centres

    Service at our day centres may be subject to limitations due to the weather. We will endeavour to contact clients at home and we provide visiting support and advice

     

    Council Services

    Schools

    Rapid notice of school closures is essential for parents and guardians of our school pupils. We have introduced a text messaging system. This will enable schools to text the notice of its status (Open, Open staff only, Open Exams only, Closed) to the Council’s contact centre, C1V (Contact One Vale). This will then quickly and efficiently be placed on the Council's website and Twitter account.

     

    Rubbish Collections and Civic Amenities Sites

    Every effort will be made to continue rubbish collection. Additional staff resources and innovative ways of operating will be used to support the delivery of this service, but the safety of the public, our staff and vehicles is paramount. The decision to alter normal operations will be made taking into account the current, and forecast, weather conditions.

     

    Once the decision has been made on the services below, information will be communicated to the public as soon as known:

    • Black bags
    • Kitchen waste
    • Co-mingled recycling collections
    • Opening hours and any limitations at our Civic Amenity Sites in Atlantic Trading Estate and Llandow

     

    Weddings and Civil Partnerships 

    We will endeavour to make sure that our Registrars attend Marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies. Resources will be allocated to ensure that this service continues to be provided

     

    Registration of Births and Deaths

    There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be changed. Please contact the Register Office before attending to register.

     

    By law a baby’s birth must be registered within 42 days of the date of birth.

     

    Leisure Services

    There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be change. Please contact your local Leisure Centre before attending. All leisure centres can now be contacted on 01446 403000

     

    Parks and Grounds

    There may be disruption to this service and opening times may have to be changed. Pease check the Vale of Glamorgan website for further information.

     

    Snow Clearing and Salting

    The government have published  The Snow Code to give some practical advice about clearing snow and ice from around your property and helping your neighbours. Here are a few tips for snow clearance:

    • If possible, clear snow when it's fresh, as it's easier to move
    • Do not use hot water, as it can re-freeze, making conditions more hazardous
    • Apply salt sparingly - a tablespoon can treat as much as a square metre of ice
    • Table salt or dishwasher salt can be used to melt snow and ice
    • Sand, grit or ash can be used but they will not melt snow or ice, simply provide more grip

     

    Information on road salting, snow clearing and salt bins can be found in the  Highways' Winter Service section.

    Driving

    Ice and snow can make driving hazardous so carefully consider if your journey is necessary, and make sure you are fully prepared.

     

    The Vale of Glamorgan Road Safety Team has produced further advice on driving in its  winter driving tips.

     

  •  Radiation Awareness
     For more information about radiation and ways to keep safe please visit the NHS website.

 

Please Note: This is not an out of hours contact address.