Decision details

The Committee considered a report setting out an overview of the County Council's Health, Safety and Resilience Service.

Appendix 'A' to the report 'Preparing for Emergencies in Lancashire' was the culmination of work with the County Council's partners, (e.g. the NHS, Police, Fire and Rescue, and other local authorities), in the Lancashire Resilience Forum and identified the risks and how they would be dealt with.

Reference was made to building up community resilience including the use of e-mail and text alerts to provide warnings and updates. It was noted that communication was key when dealing with incidents such as flooding and it was suggested that initiatives such as mobile apps should be further developed to support this.

The Committee's attention was drawn to the 'In The Know' website, an online, secure, two-way community messaging service available to the public, neighbourhood watch schemes and resilient community groups for notifications regarding severe weather, crime and community safety issues, and also alerts in specific areas. It was noted that information was also available regarding the arrangements in place within Lancashire on how the County Council and partner agencies prepared for, and responded to, emergencies.  In addition, risk information could be accessed through the 'Preparing for Emergencies' booklet which provided advice relating to the top risks in Lancashire and what individuals could do to protect themselves, their family, their home and their businesses.

Appendix 'B' to the report set out details of the training available to Councillors and it was agreed that this should be further promoted via the Member Development Steering Group and should also be highlighted in reporting the proceedings of the Committee to Full Council.

Resolved: - That:

(i)  The report be noted;

(ii)  That the take-up of places on Councillor training be supported and promoted as set out above;

(iii)  That members of the Committee promote the use of the 'In The Know' website to the public as and when opportunities to do so arise.