The charity and the council will now work closely together to make sure people get the help they need in an emergency. This might include checking on people, giving out supplies, helping with shelter, or sending out trained volunteers.
“We’re very happy to be working with the council”, said Laurie Wynne, British Red Cross Emergency Response manager for Wales.
“Together, we can make sure that people are safe and looked after when something goes wrong. We have an experienced team of emergency response volunteers in Swansea, who have supported at major incidents including floods, fires, residential gas explosions, and recently helped people affected by Storms Bert and Darragh.”
This landmark agreement will ensure coordinated efforts in the event of emergencies and other planned or unforeseen incidents that impact residents of Swansea council. Under the new partnership, the British Red Cross will work closely with the council’s emergency planning and community services teams to provide volunteer mobilisation, assistance with rest centres, welfare checks and logistical support where needed.
The highly trained Emergency Response team is made up of volunteers from the British Red Cross who give their time freely, responding to incidents 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day. They are able to attend different kinds of emergency incidents to support people in crisis, such as domestic fires, floods or major incidents. The vehicle they use has been specially adapted for emergencies, stocked with practical items people may need such as clothes, blankets and hygiene packs.
David Hopkins, Joint Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Major incidents are thankfully rare. But our teams are well-prepared and trained to step up at a moment’s notice to support those most affected in an emergency.
“We work closely with the emergency services and this new agreement with the British Red Cross strengthens our relationship with them and improves the resilience of our emergency response arrangements.
“Best of all, working with the support of the British Red Cross means our residents have further reassurance that if there a major incident, their volunteers will be here for them.
“This is all about helping our community. By working with the Red Cross, we can reach people more quickly and offer more support when it’s needed most.”
The agreement also means the charity and the council will practice how to respond to emergencies together and share important information how to stay prepared.
