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What is emergency planning?

Emergency planning is about the preparation for major emergencies and incidents that can happen unexpectedly and anywhere. It is carried out by all the major agencies, including:

• Emergency services
• Local authorities
• NHS Trusts
• Government departments
• Utilities companies
• Voluntary agencies

The aim of emergency planning is to put appropriate arrangements and procedures in place that will enable each agency to respond to and manage 'major incidents'.

Why do we need it?

Although we live in a very safe society, it is always sensible to prepare for the unexpected. Most sensible people and organisations have insurance policies to protect them against the unfortunate events that can and do happen ‘any time, anywhere’, like floods, fires, chemical releases, transport accidents, illness and deliberate acts of violence, etc. Emergency plans are just sensible preparation for any contingency.

What is a 'major incident'?

Any emergency situation that has the potential to cause major disruption, affects large numbers of people, causes a substantial amount of damage and/or creates a strain on resources is referred to as a ‘major incident’. This is a phrase which all the above agencies will use to trigger the activation of their emergency plans.

Knowsley Council, as a local authority, will also have a substantial role in dealing with the aftermath of such incidents. Plans are in place to assist in the recovery and return to normality for the community and environment of Knowsley.

How does the council provide Emergency Planning?

The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 is the primary legislation that underpins the responses of the emergency services and other primary responders, including Knowsley Council. The council’s emergency planning team co-ordinates the planning, training, exercising, activation, and the management of the council's response to emergencies. The team works in collaboration with all council departments, the emergency services, neighbouring local authorities, voluntary agencies and the many other agencies who have a role to play in an emergency, to ensure there is a co-ordinated and effective response.

Emergency planning falls into four broad categories:

Planning

The council is continually assessing the risks that may affect Knowsley and developing and maintaining plans to ensure that procedures are in place to control and mitigate their impact.

Training and exercising

A programme of training and exercises for our staff and partner agencies is also in place so that integrated and effective working can be put into practice when needed.

Liaison

The council also works closely with partner agencies and stakeholders to share information and ensure our plans and procedures fit together to provide a co-ordinated and integrated response to emergency incidents.

Operational

The council has a 24-hour Emergency Duty Officer system in place to ensure an urgent response is given to major incidents.

Who should I contact about a 'major incident'?

Members of the public should always use the emergency services 999 system.

How do I get further information on specific areas of emergency planning?

The government sent a booklet ‘Preparing for Emergencies – What you need to know’ to every home in the UK in August 2004. The booklet contains practical advice on the steps you can take to help your self and your family in the event of an emergency.

The Preparing for Emergencies website accompanies the booklet and provides online advice covering:

• Guidance on how to prepare for a variety of emergencies that could occur
• What to do in the event of an emergency
• What the government is doing to protect the country

Visit the Preparing for Emergencies website and other sources of information for advice (see links below) or use the contact information below.