Community pilot launched to prepare for emergency situations

A pilot project offering free advice to residents and businesses about how to deal with emergency situations has been rolled-out in Selby.

The Yorkshire Ready Together initiative has seen the launch of an online tool available to individuals, communities and businesses, offering advice on potential issues and major events such as flooding, fires, extreme weather, and power outages.

Using a chatbot, the interactive tool enables real-time, two-way conversations about emergency preparedness.

The tool launched in September for businesses throughout North, West, South Yorkshire and the Humber.

The pilot in Selby goes one step further, with banners and posters appearing in the town, including at Selby Abbey, the local NHS drop-in centre and hospital, the Town Hall, community centres, leisure centre, Selby Library and other busy areas of the town. If successful, it could be rolled-out across the county.

North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, whose responsibilities include emergency planning, said: “Since the online tool launched last year, it has been successful in supporting businesses to be prepared for emergencies.

“The second phase and pilot in Selby involves getting the community involved. It’s all about taking advantage of new technologies to protect our residents.

“Every year we face challenges from flooding to power outages, and we want to ensure we are prepared for the rare emergencies such as cyber-attacks and pandemics.”

Conversations can cover preparing for a wide range of situations including storms, flooding, fires and power outages. The advice is clear, practical and easy to understand.

All conversations and insights gathered are anonymous and no personal information is recorded or held. There is also no need to download any apps or fill out registration forms.

Inspector Martin Wedgwood, of the Selby Neighbourhood Policing team, said: “We’re proud to be part of the Yorkshire Ready Together pilot here in Selby. This initiative is all about helping our residents and local businesses feel better prepared for emergencies or when the unexpected happens.

“By working closely with our communities and harnessing new technologies, we can all be better equipped to stay safe and resilient in the face of major events. We’re encouraging everyone across Selby to explore the tool and take simple steps now that could make a real difference in an emergency.”

Group manager for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in York and Selby, Tony Peel, added: “As a fire and rescue service, we know that preparation can make all the difference in an emergency.

“The Yorkshire Ready Together tool gives people and businesses the practical advice they need before emergencies happen, whether it’s flooding, fires, or severe weather. By embracing this technology, we’re helping our communities stay safer and more resilient.”

The project is being supported by the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum. Visit www.yorkshirereadytogether.co.uk to find out more and join the conversation.

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Local Weather - Middlesbrough

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Aaron Kearney

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