Climate resilience
Climate resilience is about ensuring we are all prepared to live in these changeable, and often unpredictable conditions.
Read more about preparing your home, business and community - including preparing a household emergency plan.
The government also has an emergency planning website, which encourages you to think how you would manage if an emergency did happen in your area.
WSCC emergency information
For updates on any current emergencies, see our social media pages:
Our campaign pages will also have useful seasonal information and advice.
If you or your community are in immediate danger, phone the emergency services on 999.
How to stay safe, prepared and cool during heat waves
Learn more about being WeatherReady and how to prepare for summer.
The government’s UKHSA cold and heat - weather health alerts page has guidance on preparing for and staying safe during extreme temperatures.
You can also check if your postcode area is vulnerable to extreme heat.
Keeping you and your house cool
- Block sunlight - close sunny windows and blinds during the day. Use reflective curtains or consider solar film. Planting trees can give shade to your house and garden.
- Promote airflow - open windows at night for cooling breezes. Use fans for circulation if available.
- Reduce heat sources - limit oven and stove use and turn off unnecessary electronics. Switch to energy-efficient lighting.
- Insulate your home - cool yourself with showers or damp cloths. Consider using air conditioning if needed or find cooler public spaces.
Vulnerable communities and heat
Explore the Climate Vulnerability Index to understand the risks your community faces from climate change and better understand the links between environmental threats and social risk factors.
The Local Authority Climate Service provides an overview of how climate change will affect our region. For risks specific to Sussex, view the Community Risk Register.
Extreme weather, especially long heat waves, can affect your health and be dangerous for the elderly, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you know or look after someone who may be at risk, help them stay safe and well, and if possible, check in advance that they are prepared.
Staying safe, prepared and dry during extreme storms and flooding
Check your long-term flood risk, sign up for local flood and weather warnings.
Find out more about flood alerts and warnings. What they are and what to do.
Don’t forget, if you have a watercourse, ditch, stream, river or culvert on or next to your land, you are a ‘riparian owner’ which means you have certain responsibilities.
What to do if you are about to be flooded
If your area has a flood warning (when flooding is expected) or severe flood warning (when there is a danger to life):
- turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies, if it is safe to do so - do not touch an electrical switch if you are standing in water
- move your family, vehicles, pets and important items to safety, for example upstairs or to higher ground
- if you have them, use flood protection products, for example flood barriers or air brick covers
- follow advice from your local council or the emergency services - you may be asked to evacuate
- do not drive through flood water, you do not know what hazards may be hidden beneath
If you have one, use your:
Floodline (24-hour service)
- Telephone: 0345 988 1188
- Textphone: 0345 602 6340
Government emergency advice
Emergency alerts is a UK government service that will warn you if there is a danger to life nearby.
In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe. The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.
Emergency alerts will not replace local news, radio, television, or social media. If you do not have a compatible device, you’ll still be informed about an emergency in other ways.
What is climate change?
Read about ‘Actions you can take’ to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.