Thames Valley public sector organisations support national social media campaign providing advice on how the public can prepare themselves for an emergency
From the widespread floods of 2014 and the M40 Valentine’s Day multi-vehicle crash in 2015 to responding to the recent acts of terror in London and Manchester, Thames Valley public sector organisations are well prepared for and experienced in responding to major incidents and emergencies. But not all emergencies make the headlines. Every day, we are affected by a variety of disruptions such as power cuts, flu and bad weather.
From 1 September 2018, in support of a national campaign, the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum – a multi-agency public services partnership who plan, prepare for and respond to emergencies – will be coming together to provide daily information on key risks to be aware of in our area, and advice and guidance on preparing yourself, your home and your business whatever the emergency for 30 days.
The initiative will run across Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #30Days30WaysUK and will involve public sector organisations from across the Thames Valley, including: Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Services, South Central Ambulance Service, NHS England and district, city and county councils.
Deputy Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police and Chair of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum John Campbell said: “For the emergency services and our public sector partners, preparing for and responding to emergencies is part of the day job, but for our communities, some of who are vulnerable, when something unexpected happens it can have a significant impact.
“The Thames Valley LRF has a responsibility to help our communities to prepare and protect themselves. It is through initiatives such as this, that we can build personal and community resilience so when such events occur, people know what to do and the impact is reduced.”
Follow the social media campaign from 1 September using #30Days30WaysUK
About the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum
The Thames Valley LRF was established by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which placed a duty on public sector organisations, such as emergency services (police fire and ambulance), local authorities, the NHS and health agencies and environment-related government agencies, such as the Environment Agency, to warn, inform and advise the public in the event of an emergency. The borders of the LRF match those of Thames Valley Police and cover an area of the 2,200 square miles of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes.
A Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is not a legal entity, nor does a Forum have powers to direct its members. Nevertheless, the CCA and the Regulations provide that responders, through the Forum, have a collective responsibility to plan, prepare and communicate in a multi-agency environment.
About 30 Days 30 Ways
The 30 Days 30 Ways concept was originally developed by the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency in Vancouver, Washington and is in its 6th year.
Northamptonshire County Council are the originators of the UK initiative, running a campaign every September as part of UK preparedness month.