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Specific hazards or events

Our plans and responses to emergencies are flexible enough to deal with a broad range of incidents. The majority of our services, along with specific services such as emergency centres, will deal effectively with emergency events.

The list below are the top risks, as set out in the Southwark Community Risk Register, that have the potential to cause significant disruption to the borough:

Fire

Fire is a key risk to most of us and it can have a devastating effect on property and people. It's everyone's responsibility to prevent fires from starting.

Fires occur in varying degrees of severity and, when a fire occurs, we may be required to provide a broad range of services such as:

  • structural analysis
  • building repair
  • setting up an emergency centre or temporary rehousing

Ensure you have a working fire alarm installed in your property and test it regularly. See the London Fire Brigade website for further fire safety advice and tips or to request a free home fire safety check.

How you can minimise risk

  • make an escape plan and practice how you'd escape in a smoky atmosphere
  • install smoke or heat alarms heat in your home in any room where a fire can start
  • try not to leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill
  • try to keep your oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill clean
  • check that the cooker and hob are turned off when you have finished cooking
  • keep matches out of children’s reach and buy children resistant lighters
  • at night close all internal doors to prevent smoke from spreading if a fire starts
  • don’t leave washing machines, tumble driers or dishwashers on overnight

Fire – Lithium Ion Batteries

The majority of fires related to e-bikes and e-scooter have happened in homes. These fires are often caused when charging batteries.

Find information on keeping your e-bike and home safe.

How you can minimise risk

  • don’t block your exit with charging batteries or e-bikes and e-scooters - store them in a shed or garage where possible
  • keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk
  • never leave your battery to charge when you're out or whilst you sleep
  • make sure your battery and charger meet UK safety standards
  • use the correct charger for your battery, and make sure to buy from a reputable seller
  • let your battery cool before charging it

Flooding

Flooding incidents in Southwark are often the result of surface water. This can be caused by sudden heavy downpours or burst water mains where drainage systems are overwhelmed. Surface water flooding can be difficult to predict and often occurs in urban areas with limited ground to absorb water. 

The Environment Agency operates a flood warning system, providing information to:

  • the public
  • media
  • emergency services
  • local authorities

If flooding is forecasted, warnings are issued using a set of easily recognisable codes:

  • flood alert - flooding is possible, so be prepared
  • flood warning - flooding is expected, and immediate action is required
  • severe flood warning - severe flooding, danger to life

You can find out if your local area is at risk of flooding by contacting the Environment Agency's 24 hour Floodline number on 0845 988 1188 or by visiting the Environment Agency website. If you're at risk, you can register for free-to-receive flood warning messages by phone, text, email, fax or pager.

Additionally, the Environment Agency issues flood warnings through its:

  • website
  • television weather bulletins
  • local radio weather and travel reports

You can also contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to listen to recorded flood warning information or speak to an operator for general information and advice 24 hours a day.

Unfortunately, this worrying time doesn't end when the floodwater goes down. Your home must be cleaned, disinfected, repaired and fully dried out. This can take time and you may have to live in temporary accommodation.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Get their approval before arranging any cleanup or repairs. They may appoint their own builders. If you've moved into temporary accommodation, ensure they have your new contact details. Beware of bogus tradesmen taking advantage of the situation.

If you need repair work carried out, get quotes from several firms or recommendations from friends or neighbours. Check the Environment Agency website for what to do after a flood and advice on flood proofing your property.

Severe weather

Various weather conditions throughout the year can affect your daily activities. Local and national weather reports should inform you of any severe or hazardous weather affecting your area. Follow the advice given to protect you and your family from harm.

Weather in winter can cause severe disruptions especially if there's a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures. Snow and icy roads are hazardous for both motorists and pedestrians. Drivers should take extra care with black ice, which isn't always visible on roads.

Severe gales could also be a problem during the winter months. High winds can cause damage to your property from loose debris or result in a building collapse. Make sure any loose fittings are securely fastened and lock doors and windows. Stay indoors if possible and avoid driving in such windy conditions.

Hot summer months can lead to heat waves and droughts, negatively affecting your health. Ensure you stay hydrated and avoid being out in the sun during the hottest times of the day. Hosepipe bans and other measures may be introduced if water supplies are becoming depleted.

Other severe weather conditions include dense fog, heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.

More information about severe weather and advice on how to stay safe can be found on the Met Office website.

How you can minimise risk

  • during a storm stay indoors as much as possible
  • take care when driving or only drive if your journey is necessary
  • make sure that vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe
  • stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead by buying supplies now

Utility failures

Disruption to your power and water supplies can be frustrating and troublesome, especially over a prolonged period. These could directly result from another incident in the area such as a fire or a burst water main.

During an emergency, your electricity, gas or water supplier should inform you about service disruptions. They can also advise when services are likely to return to normal.

Thames Water and UK Power Networks offer services to support vulnerable people in the event of a disruption. It's possible that you or someone you know could qualify and benefit from these schemes.

There are simple steps you can take to prepare for any utility failures. These will help keep you and your family safe and minimise the impact of a power or water outage on your daily activities.

Pandemic

A Pandemic is a rapidly spreading epidemic and will cause serious illness in a large proportion of the population. Pandemics are natural-occurring events when a unique virus evolves that few people are immune to.

A pandemic could cause a large percentage of the population to experience symptoms, there is the potential for fatalities and high levels of absence from work.

How you can minimise risk

  • vaccination —vaccines can help reduce the risk and spread of pandemics
  • maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs
  • keep healthy as a healthy lifestyle can be a great defence against pandemics
  • identify someone who could collect your medication and other supplies if you are isolated
  • check national government and NHS websites
  • keep a personal stock of over the counter medication, including hand sanitizer and spare face coverings
  • antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses

Cyber security

Cyber dependent crimes are offences that can only be committed using a form of information communications technology. This includes hacking, the spread of viruses and distributed denial of service attacks.

How you can minimise risk

  • use a Firewall on your computer
  • keep software updated - older software may be redundant
  • have a strong password
  • use a Multi-Factor Authenticator when possible
  • know the signs of an active attack
  • check the sender's email address on an email
  • use antivirus software
  • back up your data regularly
  • don’t follow links or open attachments in emails unless from a trusted source
  • be wary of what you post online
  • have high security settings on social media sites
  • be wary when using public Wi-Fi, if unsure use 3G or 4G data instead

Attack on crowded places

The UK faces a serious and sustained threat from terrorism. This threat is from international groups, domestic extremists and Northern Ireland-related groups.

Many of the networks and individuals who pose a terrorist threat seek to harm large numbers of people. Attacks can potentially threaten both life and property.

How you can minimise risk

  • download the free app, CitizenAID (citizen aid website) which provides clear and simple actions on immediate actions in a shooting, stabbing or bomb incident
  • report suspicious activity on the following Confidential Hotline 0800 789 321

Remember RUN, HIDE, TELL.

RUN to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then…

HIDE. It’s better to hide than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally and only when it is safe to do so…

TELL the police by calling 999.

Discovery of Unexploded Ordinances

Unexploded ordnances (UXO) are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and they still pose a risk of detonation. Risk is greater in areas, such as Southwark, that were heavily bombed during the Blitz. Items of ordnance tend to be discovered during construction work and on building sites.

It is not uncommon for residents to be evacuated temporarily when a UXO is discovered. This is to ensure that residents are kept safe. Residents may be accommodated in an Emergency Centre close to the incident.

How you can minimise risk

  • plan where you will go if you have to evacuate, such as family or friends nearby and plan how you will get there
  • plan what to take with you if you have to evacuate your home, this may include the following:
    • medication
    • clothing
    • phone and charger

Incidents involving hazardous materials including Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) incidents

Incidents involving the accidental release of hazardous materials are referred to as HAZMAT incidents. If an incident involves the deliberate release or malicious use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear materials, it will be referred to as a CBRN incident.

Both these types of incidents require specific responses by the emergency services. We'll support emergency services, and provide any necessary assistance.

More information can be found on the Health Protection Agency website.

Page last updated: 28 May 2024

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