Resilience

What is Resilience?

Community Resilience is about communities and individuals harnessing local resources and expertise to help themselves in an emergency.

Why we needed to plan for resilience…

Storm Arwen in 2021 exposed our community’s lack of preparedness for emergencies. The storm 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. Some areas also faced water shortages.

While many checked on neighbours, there was no coordinated effort to ensure the safety of vulnerable community members.

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

Many households had no alternative means of heat and light creating and with temperatures dropping and losing daylight created a potentially dangerous situation for vulnerable residents.

What did we do?

A local emergency plan was developed designed to respond to a wide range of possible emergency scenarios. The aim was to inform and equip the local community to develop skills and resilience that might be needed in an emergency.

What were the outcomes?

An Emergency Action Plan was written. This helped identify local skills, resources, and networks to assist neighbours during power outages or severe weather. It utilises local knowledge and coordinates community action.
A Resilience Hub was created in the community centre – Back up power is provided by generators which provide power, heat and light. The Community Centre in Collieston is the only public building within a seven-mile radius and is centrally located to support community activities. For people living nearer to Ellon, the Community Campus on Kellie Pearl way is also a resilience hub.
Emergency Equipment There is a stock of equipment in the Community Centre for use in an emergency.
First Aiders Twelve local people were trained in Emergency First Aid
Communication equipment A battery-powered FM radio and battery/rechargeable walkie-talkies are ready for use. The Community Council continue to provide a digital phone and internet in the Community Centre. We also have a Starlink communication system if the power outage is prolonged.
Information A pack was produced and distributed to every household in the Slains area. This included the booklet Are You Prepared? Additional copies can be obtained from the Community Centre.
Partnerships Links were established with Ellon Resilience Group, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeenshire Resilience Team.

If YOU need help in an emergency…

Critical Emergencies – Dial 999 or 112 If a life is in danger, someone is seriously ill or injured, a crime is in progress, or you are in immediate danger.
Urgent Medical Help – Dial 111 (NHS 24) If you need urgent medical attention but it is not a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe cuts, sprains, or sudden illness.) You can also access services online at the NHS 24 Website. If you need urgent medical attention but it is not a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe cuts, sprains, or sudden illness.) You can also access services online at the NHS 24 Website.
Police non-emergencies –Dial 101 (Police Scotland) To report a crime that has already happened, get crime prevention advice, or speak to your local officer.
Mental Health Support – Dial 111 and select the Mental Health Hub

Samaritans: Call 116 123 for a 24/7 free, confidential helpline.

Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 for low mood, depression, or anxiety support.

Utility Emergencies – Power Outages: Dial 105 to reach your local network operator.

Ideally, it is better to have a household emergency plan before anything happens. The Are You Prepared booklet gives information on how to do this.

If you think that anyone in your household might be vulnerable in an emergency situation, contact

Priority Services Registration Form – SSEN

Priority Services Register · Scottish Water

In an emergency:

Check on Vulnerable Neighbours: Activate a “buddy system” or community network to check on elderly or disabled neighbours who may need assistance.

Keep Informed: – Use the Slains and Collieston Blether and Collieston Noticeboard Facebook pages or local radio to gather information, share updates and identify needs.