Snape now better prepared if the worst strikes again and tidal surge threatens
Launch of the Snape village emergency flood plan. Cllr Russ Ranger and Cllr Tim Beach. - Credit: Archant
December 5 is a date that people in Snape will remember for many years to come.
One clear feeling that came in the aftermath of the flooding that left homes three feet deep in water was that something had to be done to prepare for the future.
Now, 12 months on, the village has launched an emergency plan outlining exactly how the community will react in another major incident.
Tim Beach, who led the plan for the parish council with support from the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Group, the Environment Agency and community group the Alde and Ore Estuary Partnership, said: “We are delighted and relieved to have this plan in place for our village.
“It would have benefited so many people and local businesses in December 2013.
“The Snape Community Group and the parish council have put this Emergency Plan in place so that the community of Snape can help each other and the statutory agencies in the event of an emergency.
“We were amazed to find so many people with the necessary skills and willingness to help in the village.”
The plan will be run by local volunteer co-ordinators who will liaise with the emergency services to ensure Snape receives effective support when needed.
This will involve advising the 999 teams of the situation in the village and what support is needed and who will need it. The volunteers will also provide immediate support to residents wherever possible.
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Karen Thomas, senior coastal advisor for the Environment Agency, said: “Flooding can be extremely distressing and this plan will help the community be more resilient in future. We have been supporting the local community with the development of the plan since December 2013, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside a community who have such energy and determination.”
District Emergency Planning Officer for the Suffolk Joint Emergency Planning Group, Steve Pinion said: “It’s fantastic to see Snape join the growing numbers of communities in the Suffolk Coastal area who are trying to be better prepared for emergencies.
“By writing a Community Emergency Plan and by forming a group of volunteers, they are able to help support the response to a local major emergency, such as flooding.”