Mudford Village Hall
Safe Haven
Our aim
Our aim is simple: in an emergency, no one in or visiting our community should be left without somewhere safe, warm and welcoming to go while help and longer-term support are being organised.
Mudford Village Hall is at the heart of our local community, and, for this reason, we have designated the Hall as a “Safe Haven” for residents and visitors who may need immediate support, comfort or shelter during times of emergency.
In the event of severe flooding, fire or another crisis that leaves people temporarily stranded or unable to remain safely in their homes, the Hall can provide an immediate warm, safe and welcoming place of refuge, whilst emergency services and other organisations act.
The Hall can also provide a temporary place to stay while family members, friends or next of kin are contacted and alternative accommodation or other assistance is arranged.
Facilities provided by our Safe Haven can include:
- Liaise with emergency, medical and other support services.
- Provide a safe, warm and comfortable place to wait.
- Offer food, drinks and other refreshments where available.
- Have internet and landline telephone provision and mobile phone charging cables with an assortment of connectors.
- Help residents contact family, friends and next of kin.
- Provide information and practical support while assistance is being arranged.
- Provide basic personal care items, including warm socks, blankets and towels.
- Drying facilities for damp/wet clothes.
- Offer a place for residents to rest and shelter plus some potential pet support while their immediate situation is assessed and support is arranged.
Supporting our community in an emergency
Mudford Village Hall has already been called upon to act as a Safe Haven during emergencies — previously following a fire and, more recently, during flooding.
During the most recent flooding, a local resident had floodwater in the downstairs area of their home and needed somewhere safe to go while dealing with the emergency. The Hall was able to provide a place of refuge, warmth and support.
Our community has also shown wonderful practical support; a local resident provided furniture and household items to help a member of the community while their home was drying out following flooding.
As a Safe Haven, we have a range of essential items available, plus a comprehensive First Aid Kit available for use.
However, it is important that individuals remember to include their essential medication on their personal “go bag” or emergency checklist and bring an adequate supply with them if they need to leave their home in an emergency. The Hall cannot provide personal prescription medication.
Where appropriate, we can liaise with organisations such as the 3 Villages Flood Group, Environment Agency, Somerset Council, Wessex Water, Social Services, Somerset Prepared, Emergency Services.
3 Villages Flood Group (Mudford, Chilton Cantelo & Ashington) have developed an Emergency Flood Plan. The purpose of which is to establish a structured and proactive approach to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from flood events and forms the basis for other types of emergencies. www.3vfg.org.uk
Mudford Village Hall is proud to be able to provide this Safe Haven and to support our community when it is needed most. www.mudfordvillagehall.org.uk
