Coventry UXO Rest Centre Deployment

Fast, efficient & effective action when it's needed most.

Residents were evacuated from their homes in Coventry on Tuesday 2 July 2026 following the discovery of a World War Two unexploded bomb, requiring a Rest Centre to be established while specialist military teams and emergency services carried out the necessary safety operations.

Contact was quickly made with REACT via its operations centre by the council to help provide a safe environment at the Rest Centre for those displaced. A total of 37 people and one dog were supported at the centre by REACT, the British Red Cross and Local Authority until just after midnight, when suitable overnight accommodation was found and the Rest Centre was able to close.

Within minutes of the call REACT Ops Coordinators Stephanie Adams &  Louisa Kitkatt had activated REACT’s call out procedures to our volunteer base.

Louisa said “Within 2 hours of the request, 4 local Responders were deployed to attend the centre, with another 4 on standby to continue the night shift and following morning shifts. The incredible dedication of our REACT volunteers, solidifies our commitment to stand with and support UK communities, demonstrating REACT’s speed and agility during emergency situations.”

Emergency Planning Officer Byron Long-Colley for Coventry City Council said: "As both an Emergency Planner for the council and a REACT Disaster Response volunteer, I see first-hand the difference that voluntary sector organisations make during emergencies. Within two hours of support being requested, REACT volunteers were on scene alongside British Red Cross and local authority staff supporting residents affected by the evacuation, highlighting the vital role the voluntary sector plays in strengthening UK resilience. Responding to emergencies, crises and disruptions is very much a team sport, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who stepped forward to help" 

He went on to say “In February 2026, REACT Disaster Response, alongside other voluntary sector partners such as British Red Cross, Warwickshire Search and Rescue, as well as local authority staff took part in a Coventry Solihull and Warwickshire emergency planning exercise focused on this very scenario, supporting residents evacuated from their homes and establishing a Rest Centre.”

”Several of the volunteers who supported Tuesday's incident also took part in the exercise, highlighting the importance of collaboration, partnership working, knowledge sharing between various agencies and smooth running for when these incidents occur in real time." 

These sentiments were echoed by Julie Nugent, Chief Executive of the council who said “To those (volunteers) who attended, your presence and assistance helped manage what was a challenging and stressful situation for residents. Incidents such as this highlight the importance of the strong relationships that exist between statutory agencies and the voluntary sector. Responding to emergencies is very much a team sport and your continued commitment to supporting our communities is greatly valued.