How would the Isle of Wight cope in a major incident? Islanders will get a glimpse of the emergency plan today (Tuesday), when an RAF Chinook helicopter takes part in a multi-agency exercise.
The Isle of Wight Council Emergency Management Team will lead the incident response exercise involving a Chinook from RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
The aircraft will visit a number of sites that were identified in 2015 as possible emergency landing sites. It will provide training to local agencies and volunteer groups on helicopter landing site procedures.
The RAF will also work with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to demonstrate the lifting capability of the Chinook.
A high volume pump, used by the fire service in major flood situations, will be lifted by the Chinook to demonstrate the under slinging technique of the aircraft.
Plus, the Chinook will complete a number of touch and go landings at sites around the Island, at which members of the coastguard, council and WightSAR will put their training into practice.
However, you will not be able to go along and watch.
The sites being visited by the Chinook are not being made public for safety and security reasons.
Councillor Phil Jordan, Isle of Wight Council executive member for public protection, said:
Work of this nature will enhance arrangements that are already in place should, a major incident occur.
It complements work being undertaken by town and parish councils in the development of their own community resilience plans, part of which may require arrangements for the establishment of helicopter landing sites, involving both multi-agency staff and voluntary sector groups with a role in emergency response.
We would never want to see a major incident take place here, however residents can be assured resilience plans are in place should they ever be needed.
(main image: verzellenberg1 / Shutterstock.com2)
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