www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Emergency Planning
Local Authority emergency planning differs significantly from that of the Emergency Services in that the plans are prepared to mitigate the effects rather than prevent or contest the immediate consequences of a major incident. Whereas the Local Authority will respond to any incident as quickly as possible, it must be remembered that it is not a blue light service, and the full response may not be available immediately.
In addition to the support provided to the Emergency Services, the County has a longer-term involvement in the recovery of the community and can have an influence upon most aspects of community life during this phase of an operation. Through effective emergency planning the County can bring together contrasting groups and organisations to achieve consensus and coordinate development in particular areas. This is achieved by adopting a multi agency approach through the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to all aspects of the field.
Historically, emergency planning has been closely linked with the narrow arrangements related to the various Civil Defence Acts. The long awaited Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA ) heralds a new era for emergency planning and consolidates its position as a mainstream local authority function. The impact of the CCA will be far reaching with a new emphasis placed on prevention as well as reinforcing the planning, response, mitigation and recovery aspects of the role.
The Act places six new duties on Local Authorities as Category 1 Responders:
- Council Business Continuity Planning
- Public Warning and Information
- Information Sharing
- Risk Assessment
- Cooperation
- Provision of Business Continuity advice and information to commercial bodies
For futher information about the Act see the related pages links to the right.
By Post
Emergency Planning Unit
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
BA14 8JD
By Email
emergencyplanning@wiltshire.gov.uk
By Telephone
01225 713159
By Fax
01225 713156
By Hand
County Hall, Trowbridge
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
