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The Community Emergency Shelter Scheme is run by North Somerset Council so it can provide temporary shelter, or rest centres, to people during emergency incidents.
In the event of an emergency where people need to be evacuated, council officers decide on a suitable and appropriate venue to open as an emergency shelter. The council also sends staff and volunteers to manage the needs of people being directed to the rest centre.
The council is asking people who manage venues across the area to consider whether their venue is suitable and sign up to the scheme.
Cllr James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said:
“We’re looking for buildings that are warm and dry with electricity and lighting, a seating area, kitchen facilities and toilets, as a minimum. It could be a village hall, community centre, sports venue or religious establishment.
“Thankfully emergencies are rare, but we need to be prepared if they do happen. It’s really important we have a mix of venues across North Somerset so we can provide true resilience for all our local communities. By signing your venue up to the scheme, you could be helping your local community in a time of crisis.
“If you think you can help, please visit our website to find out more and sign up. And if you’ve previously registered your venue, please re-register to we have the most up to date contact information.”
More information about the scheme, including a link to register a venue, is available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/emergencyshelter.