Rest Centres

During or following an emergency, it is sometimes necessary for people to be evacuated temporarily to a Rest Centre, which is usually away from the scene.

Rest Centres are set up and staffed by the District Councils in our county, with support from members of the County Volunteers Emergency Committee (CVEC), County Council staff, and others. These organisations work together to provide a high standard of care within our Rest Centres and to ensure that they are safe, secure and welcoming places to be.

If an emergency requires people to be evacuated from their homes for a prolonged period of time, the District Council can also assist in finding alternative accommodation.

Additionally, there are other types of centres that we may be involved in:

Survivor Reception Centre

This is a secure area in which survivors not requiring hospital treatment can be taken for short-term shelter and first aid. Information will usually be gathered by police documentation teams and interviews undertaken where necessary. It may be established and run initially by the emergency services (who will be first on the scene). This type of centre is only likely to be open for a limited period of time, then may cease to operate, or be managed from that point as a Rest Centre.

Family and Friends Reception Centre

As the name suggests this centre is established for the family and friends of those involved in an emergency. These are often set up jointly between the police, local authorities and other organisations at suitable locations to help reunite family and friends with survivors, and will also provide shelter and opportunities to register and interview family and friends.

Humanitarian Assistance Centre (HAC)

A HAC will act as a focal point for information and assistance to bereaved families and friends of those missing, injured or killed, survivors, and to all those directly affected by, and involved in, the emergency. This group is likely to include the friends and families of those missing and killed, survivors, and the wider community.

They will also offer access to and guidance on a range of agencies and services allowing people to make informed choices according to their needs.

Medical Assessment Centre

Releases of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear) material can occur without warning as a result of a wide range of events including industrial accidents, terrorism and natural outbreaks of disease. Local Authorities may be involved in a medical reception centre with the Health Authorities and the Police which provides a warm, safe place where those affected can have their welfare and medical needs addressed.