The group has been set up to assist in the delivery of essential medication and respond to urgent calls for assistance throughout the county as part of on-going multi-agency response operations from the County Emergency Centre and Police and Fire HQ.
The combination of heavy snow falls and strong winds brought by Storm Emma are expected to cause drifts, making some rural area impassable.
CRG has been established due to the number of residents experiencing real difficulty. It is also designed for people who are struggling to get out of their homes to get their medication, prescriptions, food or fuel.
Head of Emergency Planning Ian Reed said: “This group has been established because we identified a need in some areas that have been cut off due to snow.
“We now know there are some communities that have been hit hard and transportation in or out has been made extremely difficult. This group is there to assist if people can’t get essential medication or if there is an urgent need for help.”
The group comprises police, emergency planners, military, local authorities and volunteers. It is available from 9am until 6pm today weekend operations will be reviewed later this afternoon. Anyone needing this kind of assistance is asked to contact the Community Resilience Group on 01522 782189.
“The service should only be used for urgent calls and assistance and vulnerable people that require essential medication deliveries not possible due to snow. Communities are still encouraged to be good neighbours and check on anyone that may require assistance,” added Ian Reed.
“We have identified a real need in rural communities so we are trying to deliver the help where it is needed. We have already been assisted enormously in those areas by the farming community with tractors and other equipment who have come to the rescue on a number of occasions and continue to do so allowing our resources to be used in areas of most need.”
Ruth Cumbers, Programme Director for Urgent Care in Lincolnshire, said: “Please ring 01522 782189 if you are unable to get out of your house and pick up medication or repeat prescriptions.
“Also I would ask residents to please choose your NHS service wisely. If you can’t self-care, please try your local walk-in pharmacy or, if it is more serious, booking an appointment at your GP practice. If it is urgent you will be seen that same day.
“Alternatively, ring NHS 111 for medical advice. The on-call local clinician will navigate you to the correct service and can book you a GP appointment if necessary.
“Accident and emergency departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a serious or life threatening situation.”