Emergency services and local Age UK urge residents to ‘Be Ready’ for winter
With colder weather on its way, emergency services, the NHS and councils across Sussex are urging older residents to take simple steps now to stay safe and independent if bad weather causes disruption.
The Be Ready campaign, led by the Sussex Resilience Forum – the partnership of local agencies that work together to prepare for and respond to emergencies - highlights three practical actions people can take before winter sets in.
The first is to join the Priority Services Register (PSR), a free service from energy and water companies for anyone who may need extra help. Everyone over 65 is eligible. Being on the PSR means companies know who may need additional support, such as priority updates, doorstep checks and bottled water if services are interrupted.
The second is to prepare a ‘just in case’ bag with a torch and batteries, warm layers, long-life food, bottled water, medicines and important phone numbers. Having a few essentials ready can make all the difference if services are disrupted.
The third is to know who to call for help. Keeping a written list of important numbers means they are always to hand. Numbers stored in a mobile phone may become inaccessible if it runs out of power.
People can call the free helpline on 0800 998 7103 to get started on joining the PSR or visit www.sussex.police.uk/be-ready.
The campaign is being promoted across Sussex through libraries, the NHS, social care, fire services and the police. It is also being supported by a wide range of voluntary and community organisations, including Age UK East Sussex and Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove.
Working together for Sussex
Louie Welfare, Station Manager, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Bad weather can occasionally disrupt power, water, and other essential services, but a bit of advance preparation can help you remain safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient. By taking a few simple steps now, you’ll be better prepared for unexpected situations, allowing emergency services and other agencies to concentrate on those who need the most support.”
Ian Guppy, Resilience and Emergency Advisor, West Sussex County Council, added:“It only takes a few minutes to do things like join the Priority Services Register or put together a small grab-bag – and helping neighbours or family to do the same means our communities are better prepared right across Sussex."
Jo Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive, Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, said: “Older people tell us that being prepared gives them peace of mind. The PSR is completely free and ensures utility companies know if someone might need extra help, like home visits or bottled-water deliveries during an outage.”
Steve Hare, Chief Executive Officer, Age UK East Sussex, added:“We know how worrying it can be when bad weather causes disruption. Having a few essentials to hand and knowing who to call helps people feel more in control. It’s a small effort now that can make a big difference later.”
The Sussex Resilience Forum (SRF) is the partnership of local agencies – including the NHS, councils, police, emergency services and utility companies – that work together to keep people in Sussex safe by preparing for and responding to emergencies.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free, voluntary service run by utility companies to provide extra help for people who may need it during power or water outages.
The Be Ready campaign runs until the end of November and is coordinated by the Sussex Resilience Forum. It focuses on older adults who are not online, and on friends, family, neighbours and carers who can help them take simple, practical steps to be ready for whatever winter brings.