CouncilIn case of major accidents
The council recognises that there is an need for effective planning for civil emergencies to ensure the efficient and speedy management of response to incidents between all agencies; the Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, the council, utilities providers and voluntary agencies.
The council's emergency civil protection plans set out the information, procedures and details required to ensure an effective, flexible and timely response to an emergency hereby reducing the distress and disruption caused by such an incident, to a minimum.
Major emergency arrangements
The one thing you can be sure of in an emergency situation is that it will unexpected. Floods, severe weather, transport accidents (air, sea, road, rail) or incidents involving dangerous chemicals usually strike without warning.
This guide explains simple steps everyone should take to be ready when an emergency strikes. It explains easy safety measures, how to reduce damage to property and what to do if you have to shelter in your home or move out of your home until danger has passed. Remember your own preparations and self-help are essential and critical factors in dealing with any emergency.
This simple guide aims to help people cope with the unexpected and assist the emergency services in dealing quickly and efficiently with major emergencies.
Dealing with an emergency
Whatever the situation, it is important to be ready to follow the instructions from the Police and other emergency services. Planning for an emergency is never easy because no-one can predict what might happen - a major road, train, air or river accident; a serious fire; violent storms; flooding or another dangerous incident. Whatever happens, it will almost certainly mean police, fire and ambulance services in the front line of a tough situation.
Although every incident is different, they will operate in accordance with procedures set out in the Emergency Services Major Incident Procedure Manual.
These procedures are constantly being updated, and the council has its own plans for mobilising social services, housing, highways and environmental health. Public utilities, voluntary organisations and many businesses also have their own emergency plans.
An emergency incident might mean evacuating an area and providing temporary accommodation. Rest centres may need to be set up, food and blankets provided and information given to anxious relatives. Someone has to be ready to reunite families who may be parted by an emergency situation, perhaps because the children were at school or some people at work.
Arranging all this is the job of the emergency services supported by the Council and many other public, private and voluntary organisations.
Radio and TV - warning the public
In major emergency situations, it may be necessary to issue warnings and advice to the public. Such messages would normally be broadcast on relevant radio and TV channels.
Remember to cater for power cuts - you should have a battery-operated radio and know how to tune in to your local stations.
Local Radio Stations
These are as follows:
- BBC London Radio FM 94.9
- LBC FM 97.3
Major Hazard Sites
Some industries, because of the nature and quantity of chemicals or substances stored or processed, are required by law to distribute information to people living in the immediate vicinity of the hazardous sites.
This requirement applies to the following sites in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets:
- British Gas holders, Twelve Trees Crescent, E3
- British Gas holders, Leven Road, E14
- British Gas holder, Pritchards Road, E2
If you live in the immediate vicinity of the above sites you should have received an information card from the company. Make sure that you and all occupants understand the information and advice so that they can take the appropriate action in the event of an accident.
If you have not received the information card, you should contact British Gas.
For further information on major hazard sites and / or the Control of Major Accidents Hazards Regulations (COMAH Regulations) contact the Health and Safety Executive:
For further information contact:
E-mail: emergency.planning@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7364 4181 (office hours only)
Fax: 020 7364 4181 (office hours only)
Out of office hours: Contact LBTH call-centre: Tel: 020 7364 7000
Website: www.hse.gov.uk
Further information on civil protection and the action to take in the
event of an emergency is available from the government website: www.londonprepared.gov.uk//londonsplans/londonresilienceteam/index.jsp
Pid No: 703, 792
