Emergency planning - the council and its partners

What we plan for

Emergencies such as fires, burst water mains, building collapses, chemical and gas accidents, heavy rain, snow, hot weather and industrial action can all cause serious problems.

Emergency incidents can result in a loss of basic services such as water, electricity, gas or telephone lines. It can also result in damage, or the threat of damage, to homes and businesses.

In some cases, it may mean evacuation of homes and businesses or everyone having to stay indoors.

Planning and preparation

Local Resilience Forum (LRF)

A huge range of organisations, including the council, emergency services, community and volunteers groups meet regularly to plan and train for emergencies through the County Durham and Darlington Local Resilience Forum (LRF).

Assessing the risks of different types of emergency

We also carry out detailed risk assessments, with our partners, on a variety of emergency situations.

Together with the LRF, these help shape the Community Risk Register.

When a major incident happens

• There is a 24/7 duty officer rota is in place to ensure a quick response is given to major emergencies.
• We work with the emergency services, the community and other organisations to co-ordinate the council's response.
• We provide up-to-date information through our website and social media feeds.

Emergency planning legislation

We must abide by the following regulations:

• Civil Contingencies Act 2004
• Control of major accidents hazards legislation. More information about Control of major accidents hazards (COMAH) is available at Health and Safety Executive (HSE): COMAH.
• Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996
• Flood and Water Management Act 2010 including The Reservoirs Act 1975