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Email: emergencyplanning@eastlothian.gov.uk
Telephone: 01620 827779
Fax: 01620 827879
Emergency Planning Unit, John Muir House, Haddington EH41 3HA
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| What are the chances? |
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In 2007 some areas of the country experienced the worst natural disaster in recent memory when flooding affected many thousands of residents. Properties affected included both residential and business and the flood recovery is still affecting people months afterwards.
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Tragedies such as the Lockerbie air disaster, train crashes, and the attacks in London and Glasgow by terrorists constantly threaten to disrupt our communities and remind us that the unthinkable can happen. Most of us will never expect to face a major disaster situation during our lifetime.
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The causes of major disasters can be either natural (eg weather related) or man made (eg travel related, toxic hazards, or as a result of terrorism). An in depth assessment of the vulnerabilities in Lothian and Borders has been carried out and further details can be found on the Lothian & Borders Alert website: www.lbalert.info
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It is essential that local authority services are maintained during emergencies, that those affected are properly cared for, and that the community is provided with the best possible support to re-establish normality.
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| East Lothian Council’s support |
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East Lothian Council will endeavour to provide a high level of service to all those affected in the face of disaster. All local authorities have powers under the Local Government Act 1972 to incur expenditure to avert, alleviate or eradicate the effects of an emergency.
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| During and following a disaster East Lothian Council will: |
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Actively support the emergency services in all areas of work |
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Lead the community in recovering from the disaster and assist in the return to normality
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Maintain normal services
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| To assist in this process the Council has an Emergency Planning Officer. |
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The Emergency Planning Officer
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Prepares plans to ensure a co-ordinated, speedy and efficient response to any major emergency. |
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Ensures statutory requirements are met |
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Works with our partners, the emergency services, utilities and other agencies to ensure plans are integrated.
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| During an emergency |
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East Lothian Council and the emergency services will provide up to date information to local radio stations and, where possible, keep the Lothian & Borders Alert website up to date.
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To find out what is happening, tune in to local radio or, if you have access to the internet, check the L&B alert website.
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If it is deemed necessary due to the scale of the emergency a Public Information Helpline will be available to answer questions and offer advice. The activation of the helpline will be announced over the local radio, including the telephone number to be used.
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| Other useful contacts |
| Water \ Scottish Environment Protection Agency \ NHS Lothian \ Police \ L&B Alert |
Floodline – 0845 988 1188
NHS 24 – 0845 424 2424
Police – 0131 311 3131 (when NOT an emergency) |
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