Community Emergency Plan

Community Emergency Plan

Rusper Parish Council's Community Emergency Plan provides support, advice, and guidance to the local community both in advance of and during any significant  emergency or major incident.

Although not required by law, Parish Councils can play a vital role during and after any significant  emergency or major incident.  This Community Emergency Plan is designed to complement those of emergency responders (emergency services and Horsham District Council).

By planning in advance, Rusper Parish Council can help coordinate local response activities. By being prepared and being able to respond to an emergency can often help people recover more quickly and make communities more resilient.

Emergency Co-ordinator

The Vice Chairman of the Parish Council leads local emergency coordination, supported by the Clerk and the Chairman.

If you feel isolated or alone during severe weather conditions, or if you require assistance with essential tasks such as collecting food, medication, or reaching a safe location, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Council. Our volunteers and support network are here to help ensure that all residents, particularly those who may be vulnerable, stay safe and cared for during extreme weather events. You can reach us by phone or email, and we will do our best to provide timely assistance.

Severe Weather Emergency Contacts

Cllr Geoff Hussey – Vice Chair – geoff.hussey@rusper-pc.gov.uk

Cllr Michelle Cooke – Chair – michelle.cooke@rusper-pc.gov.uk

Lisa Wilcock – Clerk – clerk@rusper-pc.gov.uk

Phone or text:  07380 468256

 

Parish Council – www.rusper-pc.gov.uk

District Council – www.horsham.gov.uk

County Council – www.westsussex.gov.uk

 

Help and Support During Severe Weather

If you need assistance or help one another, refuge centres will be available depending on the extent of power failures. The main refuge centre is:

Rusper Village Hall, Horsham Road, Rusper, West Sussex, RH12 4PR

• Provides hot water and a warm place to stay.
• Contact: 07380 468256
• Website: https://ruspervillagehall.org.uk/

Please check the website or call the above number for updates on additional refuge locations and current conditions.

 

Vulnerable Residents in the Parish

Certain members of the community are potentially more vulnerable in an emergency. This includes:

• Children
• Elderly residents
• People with mobility difficulties
• Those receiving care from relatives

Many vulnerable residents are already known to service providers, such as schools, nursing homes, or day centres. Others may be harder to identify, such as individuals living alone, visitors to the area, or the homeless.

Rusper Parish Council will maintain a confidential list of vulnerable residents to ensure they receive support during an emergency.

If you know someone who should be included, please contact the Parish Clerk:

• Phone: 07380 468256
• Email: clerk@rusper-pc.gov.uk

How Can You Help?

We invite businesses, voluntary groups, and individuals to support the community in an emergency. Assistance could include:

• Checking on vulnerable residents
• Collecting provisions and prescriptions
• Distributing water
• Helping move property and furniture
• Clearing snow or fallen trees (chainsaws or 4x4 vehicles may be helpful)
• Providing shelter, food, or drinks
• Offering qualified medical assistance

This list is not exhaustive. If you are able to help, email clerk@rusper-pc.gov.uk with your contact details and the skills or resources you can offer.

There is no obligation, but you may be contacted to confirm your availability when needed.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

West Sussex County Council provides guidance on how to prepare for emergencies, including a Household Emergency Plan available for download.

Priority Services Registers

Vulnerable residents can register for extra support from utility providers:

Contact

South East Water - 0333 000 2468

Southern Water - 0800 027 0800

SES Water - 01737 772000

Thames Water - 0800 980 8800

UK Power Networks (power cuts) - 0800 169 9970

Join Our Vulnerable List

If you know someone vulnerable in the Parish, please contact the Parish Clerk to add them to our confidential list.

Volunteer Registration

If you can help during an emergency, please provide your contact details, skills, or resources to the Parish Clerk.

Organisations for Support and Advice

• Carers Support Sussex – 0300 028 8888 | info@carerssupport.org.uk
• Age UK West Sussex Brighton & Hove – 0800 019 1310 | info@ageukwsbh.org.uk
• National Advice Line – 0800 678 1602

Utilities and Useful Contacts

Electricity:

• National Power Cut Line: 105 (free)
• UK Power Networks / National Grid: 0800 678 3105

Gas:

• National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
• Southern Gas Networks: 0800 912 1700

Water:

• South East Water: 0333 000 0365 (24/7)

Flooding:

• Floodline: 0345 988 1188 | Textphone: 0345 602 6340 (24-hour service)

 

Other:

• Environment Agency Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour service)

Salt Bins (Grit Bins)
The County Council (WSCC) provides salt (grit) bins around the county — including in communities such as Rusper — to support local efforts at clearing snow and ice on public roads and pavements. Bins are placed in areas considered locally important (side-roads, village lanes, footways, steep hills, near schools or other hazard points). The grit is for use on public highways only, and not for private drives or property.

We also call on volunteers to help during snow or ice events: spreading salt, clearing footways to help vulnerable residents, and ensuring safe access for all.

Grit Use Quick Guide

• Use grit only on public roads and pavements.
• Spread sparingly on icy or snowy surfaces.
• Focus on slopes, bends, junctions, and footpaths.
• Clear a safe route for pedestrians.
• Do not grit gardens or grass.
• Check local salt bins and report empty or damaged bins.
• Stay safe: wear gloves and sturdy shoes.

Grit Bin Locations

High Street: Opposite the Village Stores

Gardeners Green: On the grass verge at the front

Wimlands Road: Junction with Horsham Road

Outside the Frog and Nightgown Pub: Wimlands Road

Ifieldwood: Junction with Hillybarn Road

The Mount: At the top of Langhurst Lane

Orltons Lane: Junction with Partridge Lane

The Mount: Junction with Hillybarn Road