NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY EMERGENCY PLAN

LIST OF CONTENTS – plan updated on 1/12/20

Subject Page no

1 Introduction

1.1 The Dartmoor National Park Authority 2 1.2 Administrative Headquarters Location 2 1.3 Responsibilities 2 1.4 Our role 3 1.5 Aim 4 1.6 Objectives 4

2 Implementation

2.1 Alerting Cascade 5 2.2 DNPA Emergency Team 5 2.3 Decision Making 5

3 Operation

3.1 Emergency team – guidance 6 3.2 Ranger Team 6 3.3 DNPA Base Teams and National Trust 7

4 Liaison

4.1 Liaison within the National Park Authority 7 4.2 Liaison with County Emergency Centre 7 4.3 Liaison with other organisations 8 4.4 Liaison with media and press 8

5 Resources

5.1 Human Resources 8 5.2 Material Resources 8 5.3 Communications 8

6 Administration

6.1 Finance 9

Appendix A Actions to be taken in the event of an incident 10 B Map of Ranger Sectors 11 C Equipment and materials 12 D Distribution List 13 E Draft snow press release 14 F Operational snow Plan 15 G Other information 16

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DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY EMERGENCY PLAN

1 INTRODUCTION

This guidance has been produced to provide a framework within which Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) acts jointly with other organisations or singly to deal with an emergency incident. No single arrangement will be appropriate to each and every disaster, nor will a single blueprint meet very need. The key to effective response is to apply sound principles, founded on experience, to the problem in hand.

Disasters have a variety of effects on society (e.g. economic and emotional such as Foot and Mouth disease outbreak) and the environment (e.g. a major moorland fire). They demand a combined and co-ordinated response, linking the expertise and resources of emergency services and local authorities, supplemented as appropriate by other local and national organisations.

1.1 The Dartmoor National Park Authority

The Dartmoor National Park Authority is an organisation that is concerned with the efficient running of the National Park as a major environmental resource within the county of Devon. The area covered is 368 square miles, it is criss-crossed by an extensive rights of way network and some 40% of the area is open country to which the public have legal access. There are approximately 33,000 residents and the area attract many millions of visitors throughout the year.

1.2 Administrative Headquarters Location

a) The Authority’s administrative officers are based at Parke, Bovey Tracey, contactable on 01626 832093 [email protected]

b) DNPA also has an office and information centre at , information centres at and Haytor that may all be utilised as a base.

1.3 Responsibilities

The DNPA role is defined by two statutory purposes:

• Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the National Park

• Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public

In carrying out this work, we are also required to:

• Seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park

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1.4 Our role

The DNPA is not an emergency service however we are part of the overarching (DCC) Emergency Plan. We are also partners in many other Emergency Plans constituted and organised by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), Police, District Councils (DC`s), Highways Agency (HA), Ambulance Trusts (AT), Met Office (MO) and the Environment Agency (EA). Parish Councils are also being supported and encouraged to write their own emergency plans which will be integrated into District Council Plans. Within these the DNPA has a supporting and assisting community role undertaken predominately by the Ranger Service.

National Park Authorities, like all statutory agencies are required by law to have regularly reviewed emergency plans and to work together with partners. To reflect this responsibility (and as good practice) DNPA has its own Emergency Plan. In compliance DNPA have designated an Emergency Officer (EO) and a Deputy Emergency Officer (DEO). In the event of a major incident it is the role of the EO and DEO to liaise with the emergency planning team at any Silver / Gold control. It is accepted operational procedure for only emergency officers to communicate with their equivalent officers in or at any emergency event / incident. This provides a standard of professionalism and understanding in the execution of the protocols / actions that DNPA staff maybe called onto undertake.

It is within the spirit of partnership working and in the event of an emergency (in or around) the National Park boundary that the Authority’s role is to provide the appropriate assistance, knowledge and advice as requested by the various emergency services.

General emergencies within the DNPA context arise under three headings:

Heavy snow fall blocking roads - via Police, DCC or HA Severe and widespread flooding – via Police, DCC, HA or EA Storm force winds causing damage – via Police, DCC, HA, DC`s

Specific emergencies requiring varying levels of DNPA assistance/back up:

Moorland fires – via DSFRS, Police or landowner / commoner Animal, species disease and human related diseases – via Police, Natural England, or Devon County Council Personnel at risk – minor / major accident or critical mass event. This would include lost and injured people, raves, vehicle accidents, recreational pursuit’s accidents, aircraft crashes and potential unrest at Princetown prison. There is also potential for DNPA to help with instances of increases in radiation levels due to a nuclear accident elsewhere.

Initial guidance to staff should they come across an incident in the execution of their duties can be at Appendix A

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1.5 Aim

In major emergency situations the County Council, in addition to the Emergency Services, has a significant role in co-ordinating the response of many services and voluntary organisations. However, an incident may occur locally or specifically to Dartmoor involving other lead organisations or the DNPA. It is the aim of DNPA to dovetail into whatever response is required and provide expert advice, knowledge and personnel support towards the relief of any emergency occurring within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park and outside these boundaries when appropriate and requested, specifically:

a) To support the emergency services involved.

b) Provide support to the community and,

c) Maintain normal services to unaffected areas

1.6 Objectives

a) To provide senior officer support at the County Emergency Centre or any other partner agency / organisation base as required within a defined emergency.

b) To maintain communications to the headquarters at Bovey Tracey and with partners as required under any related specific plan.

c) To provide personnel and knowledge support in the field, and advisory and administrative support at the Park headquarters (at relevant information centre or another base) to assist an emergency.

d) To provide an accurate register of all actions taken (to include potential costs) in preparation for debrief meetings / inquest and for possible recharging of costs both incurred and charged concerning the Authority’s responsibilities.

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2 IMPLEMENTATIONS

2.1 Alerting Cascade To meet the objectives of the plan and dependant on the precise emergency, (experience shows that for most incidents the EO and DEO can deal with situation), however the following key personnel should be contacted as part of an alerting cascade relevant to all partnership organisations.

Appointment Office Mobile Home

Emergency Officer 01626 831052 07711856206 01626 824526 (EO) Robert Steemson

(DEO) Simon Lee 01626 832330 07711104541 01647 253908

Chief Executive 01626 831004 07711104536 01364 661405 (CEO) Kevin Bishop

Director of Conservation 01626 831011 07817 130114 01626 835232 & Sustainable Communities Alison Kohler

Head of Communication, 01626 831044 07841 337669 01626 866870 Economy & Fundraising Sam Hill

Head of Recreation, 01626 831057 07526329785 01626 835766 Access & Estates Andrew Watson

2.2 DNPA Emergency team The above posts will collectively create the basis of the DNPA Emergency team when appropriate and will in turn draw upon other professional officers as required.

2.3 Decision Making a) The decision to instigate DNPA general emergency procedures will be taken by the EO (or DEO), in consultation with the Chief Executive (CEO) (or deputy). The EO will be responsible for all specific emergency actions on the ground and will deploy staff and material resources as required whilst keeping CEO and / or Headquarters informed at appropriate times.

b) In most cases the need to initiate elements of any emergency plan will be engineered by other partner agencies / organisations.

5 3 OPERATION

3.1 Emergency team and respondent’s guidance a) During time of general emergency, a selection or all the officers as listed above will form an emergency team operating from Headquarters (or other required location). They will in turn draw upon the expertise of other officers as appropriate.

b) The emergency team (or required officers within it) will function throughout the period of emergency at the direction of the EO & CEO. Deployment of Rangers, Conservation Works Team and Information Advisors will be co-ordinated by this team via the radio and phone network. All partners with equal or overlapping responsibilities will be informed at the outset (and the stand down) of the emergency.

c) All requests for assistance from third parties are normally directed through the EO, via Parke or information centre. The EO assesses the request, prioritises actions to be implemented and informs others on the emergency team. At this stage an admin support officer will be required to provide admin assistance. Ranger and Conservation Works (base) teams will primarily function within the areas detailed in any operational plan.

d) At times there will be there will be a fine line between the need to initiate the Emergency Team as field staff respond to events on a one-off basis. Indeed, the requirement to initiate any overarching Emergency Action Plan may not occur until some time after the incident started. Up to that time field staff should act in such a way so as to offer immediate assistance to all persons in distress or danger remembering that the protection of life and limb (particularly their own) is of paramount concern. All other work / visits will take second place to any Emergency situation Instructions.

e) Throughout any emergency period use of the radio and phone system must be highly disciplined. All messages should be recorded and be brief but require any location, time, event, and action taken. Emergency operation calls will have priority over other messages and the relevant control base will maintain a record of team locations and log all instructions.

f) The emergency period (and DNPA emergency team) will continue its role until the lead partner / agency decides otherwise.

3.2 Ranger Team a) The organisation of Ranger sectors which includes a map of Dartmoor along with their relevant Parishes of responsibility and management structure is at Annex B.

b) The Rangers will possess emergency plans applicable to their own geographical areas of responsibility. These plans will contain information regarding ‘at risk’ people and those whose job is to respond in emergency situations i.e. doctors, midwives, meals on wheels service, home carers

c) For the purposes of lone working procedures and general safety all field teams will consist of a minimum of two members when ever possible. Their locations will be distributed around the moor to facilitate liaison, speed of attention, and to allow Rangers to work into the moor from those main roads which are normally cleared as a priority in the case of any emergency situation.

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d) There are eight sector Rangers who whenever possible will work in close support of each other or double crew if circumstances dictate. • Ian Brooker, Rob Taylor – Land rover & Isuzu De Max • Serina Rouse, Peter Rich – Land rovers • Bill Allen, Ella Briens – 2 Land rovers • Andrea Crisp, Paul Glanville - Land rover & Isuzu De Max

• DEO, Simon Lee – Landrover, available from station yard • Stuart Hooppell – Landrover, available from station yard

In addition, the EO (Rob S) with Isuzu De Max will be available from home or Parke and will be deployed to co-ordinate and assist the effort on the moor where necessary. Where leave, sickness, or absence for any other reason affect team make up, the EO will deploy personnel as necessary at his own discretion. Key holders for information centres are Haytor Matthew Scott 07747 038868, Postbridge and Princetown Ali Bright 07866 442290

3.3 DNPA Base Teams and National Trust Dependant on the emergency, base teams can operate from Bovey Tracey depot utilising the Toyota Hilux, notably with forestry chain saw qualified personnel. Other staff from Parke might also be asked to assist by the emergency team.

National Trust staff able to assist: Mick Jones 07812 974511 Pete Davies 07812 974505 Phil Ireland 07919 395158 John 07812 974502, Tom 07812 974512 Stuart 07976 046353 Anthony Bellamy 07812 974504

They have a selection of 4x4, quads and tractors at various sites.

4 LIAISONS

4.1 Liaison within the National Park Authority Emergency team as mentioned above sets up. Operationally teams working during a widespread emergency will normally be deployed widely across the National Park. During a localised emergency teams will be concentrated in one area. They will normally be under the direction of the EO or DEO.

4.2 Liaison with County Emergency Centre The DNPA is part of Devon County Councils overarching Emergency Plan. At the discretion of the Chief Executive, Devon County Council, the County Emergency Centre will be activated and a senior representative from the National Park will be sent to the emergency centre, as a liaison officer, to provide advice on all matters relating to the National Park.

4.3 Liaison with other organisations Dependent upon the nature of the emergency, primacy will lie with either the Police or Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. They would be in direct control of all actions taken in the incident. The Police oversee search and rescue operations on the moor and utilise the experienced Dartmoor Rescue Group as appropriate. The DSF&RS have primacy at major fires and chemical related incidents.

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4.4 Liaison with media and press a) A major incident will attract the attention of the press, radio, and television media. The response is likely to be immediate from local reporters and dependent on the scale and nature of the incident may result in national and international media attention.

b) Each emergency service and local authority including DNPA has a designated press liaison officer, but it is most likely that the prime agency at an incident would take the lead.

c) The initial focus of attention for the media will be the immediate area of incident operation. Rangers and Field staff will be quickly identified by the media; however, any requests on site should be referred straight to the EO so not hinder operational procedures. The EO (or respective deputy) would normally deal with press and media requests.

5 RESOURCES

5.1 Human Resources There will sometimes be a fine line between the need to initiate emergency action, or for the Rangers and other field staff to respond to events on a one-off basis. All staff should act in a way to offer immediate assistance to all persons in distress or danger, remembering that the protection of life and limb, (particularly their own), is of paramount importance.

5.2 Material Resources The minimum type and quantity of equipment required to assist in a general emergency is listed at Annex C

5.3 Communications a) During the period of the emergency, use of DNPA radios must be highly disciplined. Messages will be recorded and must be brief, detailing local time, event and action taken.

b) DNPA radios are often used by other agencies at incidents due to their superior coverage and range.

c) Additional distribution list is at Annex D

6 ADMINISTRATION

6.1 Finance All National Park Authority involvement in an emergency should be carefully logged, particularly regarding the recovery of expenses. This might include staff time and any other material resources used during the event.

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Appendix A

Actions to be taken in the Event of an Incident / Emergency

Guidance to DNPA staff

Follow the steps below

1. Assess the situation

• Assess hazards and take action to reduce risk to oneself • Nature of incident • Number of casualties, type, severity • Location (grid ref, road number, nearest settlement, best access point)

2. Request assistance

• Phone 999 – which service / services • Inform Emergency Officer (EO) or Deputy Emergency Officer (DEO) • Call for other DNPA staff (if required)

3. Act

• Make scene safe • Undertake actions that will prevent situation / casualties from deteriorating • Maintain evidence • Support emergency services and comply with their requests / instructions

4. Record the incident

• Time, date, location, name, position held • Nature of incident, description of scene, name(s) of those involved and contact information if available • Major events / actions (detailed) • Time of conclusion • Forward to line manager asap but certainly within two working days

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Appendix B

Emergency Officer (EO) Rob Steemson 07711 856206 Deputy Emergency Officer (DEO) Simon Lee 07711 104541

10 Appendix C

Equipment and materials The DNPA equipment for use at times of emergency is based at various sites and in vehicles that are spread across Dartmoor:

Kit Location

Fire beaters 40 at Postbridge and Parke, Ranger vehicles Chain Saw 9 in Ranger vehicles and Parke Winch 3 Postbridge and Parke Road closure signs 4 Parke Traffic / parking cones 20 Parke and Postbridge Strops 25 in Ranger vehicles and Postbridge Sandbags 50 Parke Shovels 35 in Ranger vehicles, Parke and Postbridge First aid equipment Each Ranger has vehicle set and personal set Mobile phone Each Ranger Vehicle & handset radio Each Ranger Torch Each Ranger x 2 Vehicles 10 x (4x4), 2 vans, pick up truck, tractor, Other kit Hi lift jacks, fire fogging equipment

National Trust – 4x4 vehicles, quads, tractors at various sites

Parke Control Equipment • Team area location map • 1:25000 map and transparent overlay for deployment recording • Directory of emergency contact numbers • Incident record sheet(s) or book An assured telephone line, back up electricity supply, radio/telephone link and operation room are already available or in place.

11 Appendix D

Bodies to be advised as appropriate of DNPA Emergency Action Plan

Devon & Cornwall Police Middlemoor, Exeter

Devon & Somerset Fire Brigade Exeter

Devon Ambulance Service Exeter

Dartmoor Rescue Group Plymouth Tavistock Ashburton

District Councils West Devon (Divisional Surveyors) South Hams (Emergency officers) Teignbridge Mid Devon

Dartmoor Commoners Council Tavistock

Major Landowners Duchy Maristow Forestry Commission SWW PLC National Trust

Environment Agency Exeter

Devon County Council Exeter

Highways Agency Exeter

Social Services District Managers

Devon Primary Care Trusts

Ministry of Defence Okehampton

12 Appendix E

Draft Press Release for use in Event of Heavy Snow Falls on Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park Authority understands that people want to come and enjoy the snowy conditions on Dartmoor which are seasonal but infrequent in the southwest. We do however request the assistance of the public at what is a difficult time when resources are stretched. Snow falls of this scale cause great difficulty for Emergency Services, Highway Authorities, and residents. Farmers face difficulties as animals become trapped in snow drifts and require supplementary feed and water in these adverse conditions.

It is essential that at these times visitors do not venture beyond the “ROAD CLOSED” signs as they will hinder the clearance operation. Once the roads are clear the various agencies will endeavour to open car parks and official access points as soon as possible.

Please use common sense if you are coming onto Dartmoor and follow these simple guidelines: -

• Heed verbal advice and warnings from officials. Regularly monitor and act upon local media updates and weather reports. • Take adequate warm clothing, a shovel, blankets, food, and a hot drink. Be prepared for weather conditions to deteriorate rapidly. • Do not drive beyond “ROAD CLOSED” signs. The signs will be there for a reason. Additional traffic on roads that are closed hampers clearance operations as snow ploughs are unable to pass. • Use official car parks and lay-bys for parking. • Do not leave unattended vehicles on roadsides, verges or turning areas – even if the person in front of you decides to do so. This can cause log jams and emergency services may be hampered. • Do not obstruct gateways. Farmers need access to the fields in adverse weather to check on the welfare of animals. The lives of animals could be put at risk by inappropriate parking. • Do not enter private land for tobogganing without landowners’ permission. • Enjoy yourselves, be safe and take ALL LITTER home with you.

13 Appendix F

Operational Snow plan – being developed with partners

1. Rangers play an important role in advising and supporting the public and trying to minimise traffic chaos. They deal with difficult behaviour from the public and, landowners frustrated by the actions of the public. Police presence is often limited and it at times hard to get support to help enforce road closures and/or sort out illegal parking. It is also often difficult to contact the Devon County Council (DCC) control centre to discuss clearing car parks without going through the helpline which was too slow. Some direct local contacts between Rangers and Devon County Council staff have proved very useful. The main areas of concern are Pork Hill, B3212 Princetown / Yelverton Road, Haytor area, Burrator / Roborough Down, moor, Newbridge area and the Okehampton Loop Road, although problems are experienced right across the National Park.

2. Issues that need to be addressed:

a) Lack of strategic planning and co-operation from partners. Specifically, there is no direct line to appropriate DCC, Highways or police staff and little or no response from the police to help man roadblocks. b) Some landowners expect Rangers to deal with issues beyond their control e.g. removing people tobogganing on private land. c) Duties being undertaken by Rangers beyond their remit e.g. managing parking on the highway, removing obstructions, towing people out of snow.

3. The following actions are now being put in place to prepare for heavy snowfall

a. Area specific plans will be drawn up for the seven main areas of concern outlined above and agreed with landowners, commoners, police, and Devon County Council. The basis of these plans should be that the roads remain closed until they have been cleared by the snow plough including passing bays and / or turning areas. Police should be available to man road closed signs. We will ask DCC to clear main car parks at key locations where feasible.

b. In these areas we will provide farmers and landowners in advance with relevant temporary signs advising the public about private access.

c. When snow is forecast the EO or DEO will contact DCC and the police to remind them of agreed plans and procedures and confirm direct line contact details of relevant officers. This should be 2 or 3 days in advance if possible.

d. A press release explaining key issues to the public will be distributed widely when heavy snow is next forecast (see draft above, which can be adapted quickly).

e. We will clarify the roles and responsibilities of Rangers in emergency situations and communicate this to landowners and commoners.

4. Rangers and other officers will continue to facilitate safe public access to and enjoyment of Dartmoor in the snow where this can be achieved without causing further problems to residents, farmers and the emergency services.

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Appendix G Other information

Storm damage, floods, and snow

Rangers will have established contacts in their Sectors and identified local “at risk” people and those residents who need to move around in all conditions e.g. doctors, midwives, meals on wheels services. These contacts will need to be maintained and updated regularly. This is to be done when Sectors have changed. Information advisors will do their best (subject to Health & Safety requirements) to open centres as per rota however practically there will be days when centres get closed before leaving home or during the day.

Animal disease

Notification of an animal related disease would usually come from DEFRA, via Devon County Council or Police. Dependent on the nature of the disease and the area affected any outbreak would be dealt with through agreed protocols and plans. The DNPA will support and react accordingly as per guidance within these protocols and plans. In the past this has meant attending regular meetings off DCC emergency plan and specifically close liaison with DCC Public rights of way team with signing and closures of routes.

General approach to moorland fire

During the swaling season (1st October – 31st March) there is quite a robust system in place regarding the notification of legal burns in different areas across Dartmoor and a good partnership arrangement is in place for general awareness. However, occasionally some of these burns get out of control along with outbreaks of wildfire which normally happen outside of the legal swaling season.

The Dartmoor Forest has had a working emergency fire plan in place since 2005 and the document is a multi agency partnership arrangement. Other Commons on Dartmoor are either integrating into the plan during or have their own. The EO is part of the call out cascade system for the Dartmoor Forest and on many other Commons fire plans.

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