Why do we need to plan for resilience?
Recent storms have exposed our community’s lack of preparedness for emergencies, highlighting the need for improvement. The storms caused extensive power outages, road closures, and disruption from fallen trees across the Slains area. Many residents lost internet and mobile reception, making it difficult for those without landlines to communicate.
Shortages
Some areas also faced water shortages. With most homes relying on oil or electric heating, the loss of power posed a significant challenge to maintaining warmth. While many checked on neighbours, there was no coordinated effort to ensure the safety of vulnerable community members. Access to transportation and essential services is a significant concern in the Slains area, which is part of the Ythanside 04 Data Zone.
Recent outages rendered many roads impassable, preventing residents from reaching shops and essential services. Emergency services also faced difficulties responding to incidents due to poor road conditions. Some households experience income and fuel poverty, which complicates their ability to secure alternative heating or cooking options. The lack of a gas supply in the area further exacerbates these challenges, particularly for young families, elderly residents, and disabled individuals living alone.
What did we need to do to be more resilient?
A local group for the Slains and Collieston area was formed after the recent storms to develop an emergency Action Plan designed to respond to a wide range of possible emergency scenarios. Working with the Community Council the aim was to inform and equip the local community to develop skills and resilience that might be needed in an emergency.
To achieve this we wanted to do the following:-
Create a Community Hub
The Community Centre in Collieston is the only public building within a seven-mile radius and is centrally located to support community activities. However, it is powered by electricity and is currently unsuitable for use as a community hub during any power loss. We want to purchase a suitable generator that can provide a source of heat, light, and cooking facilities during any power loss.
Purchase and acquire equipment for use in an emergency
We will keep a stock of equipment in the Community Centre for use in an emergency. Some will be purchased and others donated by members of the local community,
Purchase a defibrillator and outdoor cabinet for installation near Slains School. The school is located 1 ½ miles from the village on an A975 road junction, a potential accident-prone spot. A defibrillator would save essential time when responding to any need in the school or RTA.
Organise a certified First Aid course.
The course would be tailored to the needs of responding to local emergency situations. It would also give participants a three-year First Aid at Work certificate.
Purchase communication equipment. We will purchase a battery-powered FM radio, battery/rechargeable walkie-talkies and continue to provide a landline/internet in the Community Centre.
Create a community contact data base We will create an emergency contact tree – subject to Data Protection requirements
- Provide the community with resilience information We will distribute information to all households outlining preparing for emergencies in the home and community
- Liaise with Ellon Community Resilience Hub and Aberdeenshire Council
Most activities will take place in the Community Centre. The Community Council have storage cupboards in the Centre and sheds in the garden, which will be used. The Community Council and Resilience group will be responsible for storing and maintaining the equipment, including PAT testing.
What have we done?
COLLIESTON & SLAINS 