Warning and Informing the Public

Local Authorities have a range of functions during a major incident, which can be separated into those of the response phase and those of the recovery phase.

Whilst involved directly in working with emergency services during a major incident the Local Authority involvement is required to go beyond the initial response, as emphasis shifts from a response phase to a recovery phase.

Response Phase

During the response phase the City of Edinburgh Council’s main function is to support the emergency services, for example road closures or setting up reception centres for displaced persons.  The purpose is to mitigate the immediate effects of an emergency.  As the response to incidents may involve more than one Council Department, an Emergency Co-ordination Team made up of representatives from key Council services, is sometimes formed.  This is situated in the Council Emergency Co-ordination Centre.  The Council Emergency Co-ordination Team liaises closely at all times during an incident with its partner organisations.  During an incident, the public can get updates of what is happening through a dedicated website If the incident takes place outwith the United Kingdom, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website can often provide important information to those concerned about persons abroad.

Recovery Phase

Local Authorities often become the lead organisation in facilitating the rehabilitation of the community and restoration of the environment.  This is a much longer phase that can take months or even years to complete.  Recovery seeks to address the human, physical, environmental, social and economic consequences of an emergency and involves not only the Local Authority but also the private sector and wider community.  As such this phase can be lengthy and challenging.