We are happy to assist other Statutory & Voluntary Agencies under similar terms

Wessex 4 x 4 Response are a group of Voluntary 4 x 4 vehicle owners who offer their time and their vehicles to assist in an emergency.
They are members of the Somerset Emergency Voluntary Agencies Group and are prepared to assist day or night whenever the need arises.

They can provide assistance with:-
Evacuation
Transportation of goods
Transportation of personnel
Recovery of stranded vehicles
Searches
Support when road conditions prevent normal access and it is vital for a service to be given

They emphasise that they are not a rescue/emergency organisation but offer support to assist other voluntary and statutory organisations to achieve their response.

All members have access to a mobile telephone. However, there are plans to link with RAYNET (Radio Amateurs) to extend their communication facilities.

Additionally Members with trailers will bring them to an incident to increase their ability to transport goods and equipment in the most efficient way.

Costs
Wessex 4 x 4 is essentially a voluntary service. However, it is reasonable for them to claim fuel expenses incurred when acting in support of the Local Authorities. Fuel costs are likely to be higher when driving through snow or flood water and it is expected that they will be reimbursed the full cost of the Fuel they use in a given emergency.

Insurance
The County Council has established an Insurance Fund to deal with the liabilities that may arise out of the discharge of its functions. Wessex 4 x 4 are covered by this policy when requested to assist the Local Authority in an emergency. In addition they will have their own vehicle insurance.

Access/Call Out
Wessex 4 x 4 can be summoned to assist in an emergency through contact with the Duty Civil Contingencies Officer, Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Unit. It is important that the Civil Contingencies to coordinate requests for assistance in emergency situations. The Duty Officer is available on 24 hour call throughout the year. Out of office hours, Somerset Fire & Rescue Service can be contacted to page the Duty Civil Contingencies Officer with a request for assistance.

Office Hours:
01823 364617 (Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Unit)
Out of Office Hours and weekends
01823 364500 (Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and ask for the Duty Civil Contingencies Officer)
The Duty Civil Contingencies officer will contact Wessex 4 x 4 Response using the numbers given in the emergency telephone directory (Pink Pages). The organisation maintains a call out system using SMS (text) telephone and Amateur Radio. They aim to offer a quick and efficient response to requests for assistance.

Generally, the Civil Contingencies Unit is likely to be aware of emergency situations and will be acting to coordinate Local Authorities support. However, it is possible that a situation arises where the emergency is local and known to only one agency. In these situations, the Duty CCO will discuss the requirement and likely involvement and link with Wessex 4 x 4 as needed.

When contacting with a request for 4 x 4 assistance please give location and a grid reference is helpful. We would also need a contact number to ring you back.

Stand By
Wessex 4 x 4 Response are always willing to stand by when there is early information regarding a possible incident and where their resources might be required. In these circumstances they would prefer to know about a possible event even if it never happens!

Ongoing support
In emergencies extending over 72 hours, there should be a meeting to address issues concerning longer-term involvement of voluntary sector personnel.