How we prepare for emergencies in Plymouth

Our main efforts in respect of emergency planning, in accordance with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, are coordinated by the Civil Protection Unit.

During any emergency that occurs in Plymouth, the role of the Council is to support and assist the emergency services in life saving and operational activities; then take the lead during the recovery phase to ensure the community has a swift return to 'normality'.

Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, Plymouth City Council is defined as a Category 1 Responder. This gives us a duty to plan for emergencies, exercise these plans and make the public aware of the hazards in their area and how to prepare them for an emergency.

Central to the implementation of the Act is the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), which covers Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Plymouth City Council is represented on the Forum and takes an active involvement in the work of the Sub Groups.

The LRF has developed Joint Emergency Response Protocols to assist agencies in planning the response to a major emergency.

In an emergency, we may provide assistance to those affected, in the following areas:

• Social care
• Welfare
• Emergency rest centres (for evacuees)
• Transport
• Temporary accommodation
• Emergency works and repairs
• Information and advice

Access to these services in an emergency is through the Duty Civil Protection Officer.

Don't be scared, be well prepared! [380KB]

Joint Emergency Response Protocol [1.45MB]