The Act establishes a consistent level of civil protection activity across the UK. It provides a basic framework defining what tasks should be performed and how cooperation should be conducted. Working to a common framework, local responders will make their own decisions in the light of local cirumstances and priorities about what planning arrangements are appropriate in their areas.

A number of plans are prepared together with other organisations in the Local Resilience Forum. See the Leicestershire Prepared website for more information and LRF plans under the Library webpage.

One of the most likely tasks to face the Local Authority in an emergency will be to provide emergency accommodation for those people evacuated or rendered homeless.  The needs of large numbers evacuated for short periods are best met by the provision of temporary accommodation in Rest Centres.

It is a statutory duty for Councils that have a responsibility for Housing (Unitary, District/Borough) to provide accommodation for those made homeless, or threatened with homelessness, as a result of any emergency such as flood, fire or any other disaster, Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977. In support of this, the County Council has prepared an Emergency Centre (Educational Premises) Plan, which is currently under review.

The aim of the COMAH regulations is to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and limit the consequences to people and the environment of any which do occur.

The regulations operate at two levels (lower and top tier) depending on the quantities of dangerous substances at an establishment.  Under these regulations, the Leicestershire County Council Emergency Management Section prepares, maintains and exercises one Top Tier COMAH plan

Those living or working within the Public Information Zone (PIZ) of a major site should be advised by the site operator in the event of an emergency/accident at the site, click on the link for the PIZ map.

The County Council has a responsibilty for producing a Pipeline Safety Plan under the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996.  The regulations apply to all pipelines in Great Britian, and to all pipelines in territorial waters and the UK Continental Shelf.  They ensure that a pipeline is designed, constructed and operated safely, provide a means of securing pipeline integrity, thereby reducing risks to the environment.

Major Accident Hazard Pipeline is a pipeline that transports a flammable liquid, chemical substance or gas. Pipelines are considered one of the safest modes of transport for conveying hazardous substances; the likelihood of an explosion in a natural gas pipeline in the UK is low. However, the loss of containment following a pipeline fracture or accidental release could have disastrous consequences, measures are therefore taken to reduce the risks they pose.

The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 lay down the basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation (the BSS 96 Directive- Basic Safety Standards). The Regulations apply to fixed sites, rail transport and the transfer of radioactive substances across public places (other than by standard transport modes).

The majority of the Regulations within REPPIR refer to nuclear "premises".  There is one exception - Regulation 17- which places a duty on all Local Authorities to supply information to the public in the event of a radiation emergency, this is made under the European Communities Act 1972.

For more information see the HSE website, and The Regulations.

Seasonal flu is a very common illness that occurs every year, usually during the winter months (October to April in the UK). Seasonal flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. NHS - Seasonal Flu

Swine flu is the common name given to a relatively new strain of influenza (flu) that caused a flu pandemic in 2009-2010. The H1N1 flu virus is spread in exactly the same way as ordinary cold and flu viruses. In partnership with the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland LRF, a Pandemic Influenza Plan has been put together that works alongside the business continuity plans for Leicestershire County Council.

Good hand hygiene reduces the spread of swine flu and other viruses. Always carry tissues and use them when coughing or sneezing, dispose of them in a bin, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap or a hand cleansing gel. The easy way to remember this is the phrase: catch it, bin it, kill it.

Visit the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland LRF - Leicestershire Prepared website