Planning for emergencies

Most of us make plans for unexpected minor emergencies, whether by installing a fire extinguisher, carrying a first aid kit or leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour. On a larger scale, Government, local authorities (councils), the emergency services, businesses and other organisations make plans for unexpected incidents and disasters.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that emergencies and disasters do occur. These often unpredictable and tragic events have various effects on our society and the environment in which we live and work. It is to contain and minimise these events and their effects that the emergency services and local authorities make plans for emergencies.

The risk of a major disaster occurring in the Lothian and Borders area is low; all too often however we are reminded that these events do occur. Almost daily the worlds media transmits pictures of the most recent disasters into our homes. From natural disasters in developing countries to transportation disasters closer to home we are aware of the all too frequent events that impact on peoples lives and property.

It is accepted that no single agency has the capacity, skills and resources, with which to respond successfully to large scale emergencies. Disasters demand a combined and coordinated response, linking the expertise and resources of the emergency services and local authorities supplemented as appropriate by other organisations.? Follow this link to the UK Resilience Website

Responding to disasters and emergencies is not common sense; the response from the various agencies has developed with thorough and informed planning, training, exercises and unfortunately, but most importantly, experience of responding to past disasters. This experience has been invaluable in highlighting the need for considered, integrated and coordinated emergency planning.

The various agencies in Lothian and Borders work together to plan a coordinated and integrated response should a large scale emergency occur in the area. This includes planning to respond quickly and effectively and to work with communities to assist with the recovery and the restoration of post disaster normality. The primary response organisations come together under the auspices of Lothian and Borders Emergency Planning Strategic Co-ordination Group.

Planning for emergencies ensures that the emergency services, local authorities and other responding organisations better communicate and coordinate their efforts, improving both the management at the scene and the post disaster recovery process for the people of Lothian and Borders.