As winter starts to set in and two hurricanes hit the UK, along with flood warnings it is important that we are all prepared for extreme weather.
Our weather has become unpredictable, and records are being broken almost every year.
Newport residents need to be “Prepared & Ready” should flooding, or other weather-related extreme conditions occur.
Newport Parish Council has teamed up with The Footprint Trust, with support from Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, to train local people as Emergency Wardens.
Speaking for the Parish Council, Councillor Terry Martin, who has trained as a volunteer along with Cllr John Hobart, said,
“Our local Emergency Warden volunteers will work with residents to get them prepared for extreme weather. The aim being to identify vulnerable people in their wards and give guidance to all on how to prevent flooding. Simple things like moving debris from the watercourse, or their banks at the end of the gardens, can prevent flooding. Identifying local first aiders and able bodied people who might help move furniture and possessions upstairs for local disabled people.”
Ray Harrington-Vail of the Island’s Footprint Trust said,
“We are very supportive of this project. It gives people the opportunity to really help their neighbours. We work with some of the most vulnerable people in Newport, but we know there are many others yet identified. The Emergency Wardens, can inform energy companies about customers who would be in danger if there was an energy outage caused by flooding etc. The energy companies can then make sure that those people are assisted quickly. “
Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution welcome Newport Parish Council’s proactive approach in preparing the community for potentially severe weather. They feel the Emergency Wardens will play a key role in deploying a coordinated local response if flooding occurs, and provide an excellent support network for vulnerable residents.
Newport Parish Council already has recruited a handful of Emergency Wardens, and is now looking to add to their numbers. A free one day training event is to be held in February, and anyone who may be interested should get in contact with the Clerk – 01983 559119 or email clerk@newportwight.org.uk for more details,