About - Staplehurst Emergency Help team

about us

Who are we?

We are the Staplehurst Emergency Help Team, dedicated to preparing for emergencies in our community.The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 defines an emergency as “an event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the UK, the environment of a place in the UK, or war or terrorism which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK”.SEHT is a voluntary body in partnership with the appropriate responders and supported by Staplehurst Parish Council. SEHT aims to develop the ability of the Staplehurst community to respond to local emergencies by gathering, storing and keeping updated local information. SEHT will actively encourage local residence to help themselves and others in emergency situations. SEHT will use available information to ensure a coordinated response to local emergencies, subject to resources being available.

It should be recognized that neither Staplehurst parish council nor the SEHT is trained, equipped or empowered to carry out functions of an emergency service. The response by SEHT will generally be confined to supporting the welfare of the people in the community and helping to maintain normal community life. Appropriate responders (“the first responder”) may request assistance from SEHT and local community response will be more effective when a plan is in place.Appropriate responders are the official organizations that are responsible for responding to emergencies in our local area. They include: Kent Fire & Rescue Services, Kent Police, South East Coastal Ambulance Service, Kent County Council, Maidstone Borough Council and Kent and Medway NHS