East Suffolk Council leader Cllr Caroline Topping is urging local communities to prepare for future weather-related emergencies, following a year marked by wildfires in Dunwich, coastal erosion and flooding.
Cllr Topping is encouraging towns and parishes to develop clear Community Emergency Plans, setting out how they would respond to a crisis. These plans provide practical guidance, including key emergency contacts, safe locations, and available skills and volunteers.
Westleton was highlighted as an example of effective planning, with its established Emergency Plan helping the community respond swiftly to the Dunwich wildfires. This allowed the council to work closely with the village hall committee and coordinate a rest centre while Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze.
Cllr Topping said preparedness helps communities cope better with the unexpected, and with climate change increasing the risk of future emergencies, she is urging more groups to get ready.
‘We want people to understand local risks and know what resources they have available to help minimise the impact of an emergency on their community. Experience shows that those who are prepared cope better when something unexpected occurs,’ she said.
‘There are many community groups, towns, parishes, and wards who have produced a plan already, but there are some who haven’t and given recent events – with the increased likelihood of further emergencies due to climate change – I would urge as many as possible to get ready.’
