SWINE flu and the heatwave may be dominating the headlines, but Castle Point Council is giving residents advice on how they can make plans for dealing with a major emergency.

The council is running a drop-in session today, giving residents an opportunity to raise concerns and find out how they can prepare for a disaster.

While the council is expecting questions about swine flu and the heatwave, it will also be able to help with other emergency planning issues such as flooding, industrial accidents, severe weather, collapsed buildings or even a terrorist attack.

Tony Belford, councillor responsible for safer communities, said: “Simple steps like putting together a bag with items that could help in emergency and making arrangements for somewhere you could stay if you have to leave your home could make all the difference. An emergency could hit at any time, so it is important residents are prepared.”

The session is at the council offices, Kiln Road, Thundersley, from 10am to 2pm.