National praise for Wiltshire and Swindon LRF 2014
The multi-agency response by members of Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to flooding last Autumn has received national praise.
Latest Knowledge Base Articles
Exceptional Award for Working in Partnership 2012
On Tuesday 12th March 2013, Wiltshire Council held its annual Gala Awards Dinner. This is a grand occasion where the Council recognises the achievements of its staff in the previous twelve months.
Training scheme to help prevent terror attacks
Action Counters Terrorism (ACT). It is an innovative 45-minute training scheme that could help prevent terror attacks and it covers how to spot the signs of suspicious behaviour and what to do if an attack should take place.
Mail Screening and Security
As we approach the festive season businesses and organisations can see a significant increase in the amount of mail being received. This can be for a variety of reasons, from an increase in transactions, to staff receiving deliveries at work.
Ahead of this busy period please find below some useful links to advice published by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
Security Check List for Businesses
This checklist has been created to assist businesses in the lead up to Black Friday, Christmas and the New Year. During this period we can see a significant increase in the number of people visiting retail and night time economy premises.
This checklist will help to ensure that the right protective security measures are in place.
LRF Emergency Planning
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 there is a collective duty to undertake emergency planning, share information and conduct risk assessment which results in the production of multi-agency and single agency plans.
Community Risk Register
The whole business of the LRF is based on risk, and this is how the LRF prioritises its work. Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 there is a collective duty to undertake risk assessment.
HM Government produces the National Risk Assesment (NRA) biennially which highlights the national risks facing the UK. The LRF looks at the NRA together with local risks specific to Wiltshire and Swindon.
Local Plans - Keeping Your Community Safe
All local agencies are fully committed to responding to and supporting our communities at times of emergency and crisis. However, to minimise the impact of such situations the most powerful response is for communities to get together themselves beforehand to produce their own Community Emergency Plan.
Our philosophy within the LRF is to promote 'Community Resilience' which is about enabling people, businesses and communities to help themselves be better prepared in an emergency. This can be done in a number of ways, for example, by individual households - please see our [Are You Ready?](/media/downloads/are_you_ready_brochure.pdf) booklet.
Flood Maps
The maps show areas at risk from river, coastal, reservoir and surface water flooding.
From December 2013, the new and updated flood maps were published on the Environment Agency website to help people find out if they live or work in an area at risk from flooding.
Flooding Advice and Information
Flooding is a major risk to the UK and appears as a significant risk on the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Risk Register. Both Wiltshire and Swindon have been affected by flooding in recent years. This article is designed to highlight issues that may arise from flooding and to signpost members of the public to various agencies and organisations who can assist.
The first download is produced jointly by the Environment Agency and Public Health England giving practical advice on...
Counter Terrorism
Acts of terrorism in the UK are rare but sadly there is a likelihood that terrorists will try to attack us. Recent events around the world are a reminder of the threat we face.
Power Cuts
105 is a new three-digit number that people can call to report or get information about power cuts.
You can also call 105 with any welfare concerns related to a power cut, or if you are worried about the safety of over or underground electricity cables or substations.
Emergency Contact List
You may find it useful to complete the details on this page and keep them somewhere easily accessible to you – on your fridge door for example.
Your Home and Family
Emergencies happen. There will be times when you may be affected by an emergency but your life is not in immediate danger. During this time you need to know how to help yourself and those around you.
This advice is designed to help you and your family prepare for, respond to and recover from the impacts of events that disrupt your daily lives.
Preparing Your Business
Business Continuity Planning is important to every business regardless of size and sector. Unplanned events such as floods, fire, terrorist threats or epidemics such as pandemic flu or foot and mouth can have a devastating effect on small businesses.
By creating a continuity plan, businesses are able to plan for the unexpected ensuring that minimal disruption is caused to the business and its customers.
Red Cross First Aid App
If a friend or family member was having a heart attack or was choking, would you know how to help them?
The British Red Cross has developed a free app featuring simple, easy advice on 18 everyday first aid scenarios, as well as tips on how to prepare for emergencies, from severe winter weather to road traffic collisions.
Oil Spills
Oil spills can be a problem for many people including boat owners, farmers and those working in the horticulture industry, DIY and car enthusiasts.
The Environment Agency has launched a website which gives advice on such matters as oil theft prevention, oil spills in flood risk areas and preparing to deal with a spill.