Responding to Emergencies

This service should be called if a fire breaks out at a property. The fire and rescue service will attend to undertake firefighting, and, where necessary, search and rescue operations. They will dynamically assess the situation and, at the appropriate time, undertake salvage operations. Be ready to use the site emergency response plan to show the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Incident Commander (IC) on scene important information. This might include the provision of water supplies, the location of any hazardous objects or materials, using grab sheets, and the location of priority items within the building. In an emergency, call 999 immediately.

Depending on the scale and nature of the incident, as well as the location of the site and the resources available, the police may decide to attend. Their assistance may be required to maintain security when artefacts are removed from a property, or when a building becomes more vulnerable to intruders as normal security measures are compromised. In some cases, the incident may itself be the result of a crime, such as arson, which would turn the site into a crime scene. In these situations, close cooperation with the police will be essential during salvage operations and other recovery activities.

If harm has occurred to anyone at the site, be it a member of staff, a volunteer or a visiting member of the public, and the required first aid cannot be administered, always call 999 if it is a medical emergency. During an incident, such as a flood or fire, the likelihood of harm to an individual increases. Therefore, it is important to provide an accurate account of the situation when reporting the incident. The emergency services call-handler can then resource the incident appropriately.

When looking to make alterations to an historic property or listed building, the Local Planning Authority Conservation Officer must be consulted in the first instance. This includes installing mitigation measures that help make a property more resilient to hazards. In addition, the Conservation Officer may be consulted from the early stages of recovery to an incident at a heritage property. They may advise on how to minimise further damage and to preserve historic fabric, including when repairs take place, and must be consulted if any urgent works are likely to further impact the historic fabric of the building. They may be able to help support the development of a long-term recovery plan and, where appropriate, will seek support from Historic England.

This organisation may attend an incident at a site where environmental pollution has occurred. This will likely be the case if there are any watercourses running close to the site and includes the possible impact of firefighting water if there has been a fire. Environment Agency Officers may also visit if the site has been impacted by flooding. Incidents can be reported to the Environment Agency via the 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60.

Do not enter the building to undertake salvage operations unless a briefing has been provided by the FRS, which includes:

• Where the fire is and that there is no danger of being trapped
• What the specific task is, and that those undertaking it are capable of doing so
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is suitable, sufficient and is being worn
• All personnel entering the building are under the supervision of the Fire Service at all times
• The immediate evacuation signal such as short sharp blows on a whistle

Once satisfied with the above and authorisation to enter the area has been granted by the FRS IC:

• Establish an entry log and sign in before entering the risk area (as defined by the FRS)
• Maintain a buddy system at all times
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Wear an FFP3 mask, in particular when entering a room impacted by fire
• Check doors are not warm with the back of your hand before opening them
• Keep an escape route within sight
• Keep to the job in hand and remain inside the building for as short a time as possible
• Listen for an evacuation whistle signalling the immediate evacuation of the building
• Stay in radio contact (if available) with other members of the team or the fire and rescue service
• Make a note of the route taken through the building, which will help enable a quick exit if required
• Use safe systems of work and do not expose yourself or a team member to unnecessary risks
• Sign out of the entry log after leaving the risk area.

If there are any signs of smoke or fire whilst inside the building, evacuate immediately and inform the FRS.

If water has come into contact with electrical circuits, and especially if the water has risen above electrical outlets, the power should be turned off at the main breaker or fuse of the service panel.

Do not enter a building until it has been confirmed that the power has been turned off, the gas supply to any affected appliances has been turned off, and water has receded. Do not enter if there are any other safety concerns in relation to the building. Following an incident, a qualified electrician or utility company should test the property's electrical systems before power is restored.

Flooding of heritage structures can cause structural damage as well as damage or loss to fixtures and fittings. As a building owner, some key issues to be aware of are:

• Repeated wetting and drying cycles over several floods can cause deterioration and/or failure of structural elements, particularly timber framing. If left without proper ventilation whilst the building dries out, timber may start to rot, leading to a loss of structural capacity.
• Water pressure can cause the failure of floor slabs, particularly in basements where the water table has risen above its normal level. Concrete ground floor slabs, in particular, may not be designed to withstand water pressure acting from below, which could cause cracking and lead to deterioration of embedded reinforcement.
• Differential water pressure on a wall (for example, where flood water is higher on one side than the other) may cause damage to historic masonry structures, which were not designed to resist horizontal loads. Freestanding retaining walls are also at risk of water levels rising above their usual level.
• Saturation of the ground surrounding a building could lead to a reduction in ground bearing pressure, which may lead to foundation failure, causing subsidence or localised collapse.

Never assume that water-damaged structures, particularly ceilings or basements, are safe. If in doubt, do not enter. Leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises signal a possible collapse.

Read further advice on how floodwater impacts a building.

Damaged building materials may contain asbestos, lead-based paint or other harmful residues. Ensure a risk assessment is undertaken by a qualified and competent person before disturbing potentially hazardous material.

Precautions must then be taken to prevent exposure. Floodwaters can contain hazardous materials such as pesticides, fuel or spilled chemicals. Do not enter a building until flooding has receded and the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and substances has been significantly reduced, if not removed entirely.

Sewage may be found in mud or sediment left behind by floodwater. This may contain harmful microscopic organisms. Where floodwater has passed through nearby farmland, it may also contain harmful bacteria, as well as sulphates, phosphates and nitrates, which can damage a building.

Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, must be worn when entering a building impacted by floodwater.

Read further advice on what to do after a flood.