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Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs the West Mercia Prepared website?
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This website is run by the Secretariat to the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum and managed by the Communication Working Group and the main board of the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum.

What is it for?
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The site provides easily understandable information to explain the purpose of the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum, the Civil Contingencies Act and civil protection planning. Additionally it gives access to guidance for the general public, businesses and voluntary and community groups on how to prepare to cope during an emergency or disaster. It also provides a link to information on what the Government is doing, and on the various mechanisms that exist for engagement and dialogue on civil protection issues.

How frequently is it updated?
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The website's emergency pages are updated as new material becomes available. You can either come and look at the site or sign up to the E Alerts facility which will send news items direct to your E mail address.

How can I get copies of the Preparing for Emergencies booklet?
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There are several ways to order copies, alternative formats or alternative languages: Down load a PDF version from the UK Resilience website. By phone: call 0800 88 77 77 or textphone 08000 859 859. By post: send off the form at the back of the booklet; or download the printable order form from the UK Resilience website. Organisations requiring bulk supplies of leaflets can also use these methods to place an order.

Does this website mean that there is a specific threat to the UK?
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This website has not been created in response to a specific threat faced by the UK. It provides information on all types of emergencies, from natural disasters to industrial accidents and, indeed, terrorism. It is intended to provide information to the general public, businesses and voluntary and community groups about how to prepare to cope during an emergency or disaster. Public safety is the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum's first priority in all decisions about public information or warnings. We would not hesitate to issue warnings to the public so you can take action in response to a specific or credible threat, as well as have an understanding of local emergencies which may have an impact upon the lives of the local communities.

Who is responsible for preparing for emergencies?
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The Home Secretary has overall Ministerial responsibility for safety and security, and hence for emergency preparedness and response. Supporting him, lead Ministers in lead departments have clear ownership of specific issues - for example, the Secretary of State for Health is in the lead on planning for infectious diseases. The Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) in the Cabinet Office co-ordinates the work of departments, ensuring that the Government takes a joined-up and effective approach to enhance the country's resilience to the full range of emergencies. On a local level within the West Mercia area the Local Resilience Forum is a partnership of all the key agencies who would be likely to be involved in responding to an emergency of any nature. These key partners have civil protection as part of their responsibilities within their discharge of their day to day duties.

Where can I find more information about........?
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This website provides general information targeted at the general public, businesses and voluntary and local community groups. If you are looking for more local information there are further links on 'Partners and Links' section of this website. The search window may take you to a specific enquiry subject. The Preparing for Emergencies and UK Resilience website have more detailed information about the common national arrangements.