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Home , Denbighshire (historic), Heart North Wales, Mid Wales, North Wales, North Wales Police

North PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES Contents

introduction 4 flooding 6 severe weather 8 pandemic 10 terrorist incidents 12 industrial incidents 14 loss of critical infrastructure 16 animal disease 18 pollution 20 transport incidents 22 being prepared in the home 24 businesses being prepared 26 want to know more? 28

Published: Autumn 2020 introduction

As part of the work of agencies involved in responding the counties of and data), which is largely preparing for emergencies to emergencies – the ) and to the South by concentrated in the more across the , key emergency services, local the border with mid-Wales industrial and urbanised areas partners work together to authorities, health, environment (specifically the counties of of the North East and along prepare the and utility organisations. and ). the North Wales coast. The Community Risk Register. population increases significantly The overall purpose is to ensure The land area of North Wales is during summer months. Less This document provides representatives work together to approximately 6,172 square than a quarter (22.32%) of the information on the biggest achieve an appropriate level of kilometres (which equates to total Welsh population lives in emergencies that could happen preparedness to respond to 29% of the total land area of North Wales. in the region and includes the emergencies that may have a Wales), and the coastline is impact on people, communities, significant impact on the almost 400 kilometres long. Over the following pages, we the environment and local communities of North Wales. will look at the key risks we face North Wales is divided into six businesses. These risks are in North Wales; explain what the North Wales Area Profile counties - , , regularly reviewed and listed on agencies involved in responding Located on the west of the , , the regional Risk Register. to emergencies are doing to plan , North Wales is and . The Risk Register is compiled for these risks and provide bound on the north and west by by the North Wales Resilience North Wales has a total resident advice on how you can the , to the east by the Forum which is made up of population of 694,826 (2016 prepare. border with (specifically representatives of the main Office for National Statistics 4 5 Consequences: The predicted impacts could include: u Risk to life (people and animals). u Damage to property, businesses, agricultural land, roads, structures and infrastructure. u Pollution and contamination of local environments. u Long term damage to , businesses and agriculture.

What are we doing What should in North Wales? you do? u Monitoring forecasts and u Find out if your property is at providing timely warnings to risk of flooding. those at risk. u Sign-up to receive flood flooding u Strategic planning to protect warnings by phone, text or the areas at risk and email. Flooding has been identified As well as the immediate effect maintaining sea defences. u Consider how you can protect as a very high risk for the on people’s daily lives when u Working together to help your own property. If there’s North Wales area, with 53,860 flooding hits and the possibility minimise disruption to critical time and it’s safe for you to do properties across the region of evacuation is imminent, the services. so, fit any flood protection products you have available. at risk of flooding. work of recovering from wide u Working with partners to raise scale flooding can last long after u Check with your insurance Storm surges which raise awareness of flood risk and water levels have subsided. company that your policy high tide levels can affect many steps they can take to covers flooding. coastal communities and lead With climate change projections prepare themselves for u Where possible, move valuable to overtopping of existing sea- indicating that we can expect to flooding. items to upper floors during defences. This results in the see more frequent and severe times of flood risk. flooding of residential and storms and an increase in sea u Check forecasts and heed any commercial properties. levels, it is likely that coastal warnings. flooding will become more There is also a risk of river u If it’s safe to do so, check on common in years to come. flooding caused by excess vulnerable neighbours and rainfall. relatives. u Visit www.naturalresources. wales/flooding for advice and guidance.

6 7 severe weather Consequences: u Travel disruption. Severe weather can cause The main types of severe u Vulnerable / older people can suffer from the effects of cold or significant problems and weather that we plan for excessive heat. disruption to our everyday include storms and gales; u Disruption to utilities. lives. low temperatures with heavy u School closures. snow or ice; and heatwaves. u Slips / falls. North Wales has experienced u Collisions. most of these during the past few years and forecasters What are we doing What should suggest that severe weather in North Wales? you do? events are likely to become u Monitoring the forecasts all u Check weather forecast and more common in the future. year round. heed any warnings. u Working together to help u Plan your journeys / activities minimise disruption to critical accordingly. services. u Check on older neighbours u Designing and planning our and relatives. services to be resilient. u Take action - keep warm or u Gritting and ploughing of keep hydrated. designated routes. u Avoid non-essential journeys

8 during times of severe weather. 9 Consequences: Many millions of people around the world can become infected by a pandemic. Up to half the UK population may become infected and between 50,000 and 750,000 additional deaths may occur by the end of a pandemic. Normal life is likely to face wide disruption, particularly due to staff shortages affecting the provision of essential services, including production and transport of goods.

What are we doing Things you in North Wales? can do:

u As the Covid-19 pandemic u In the event of a pandemic, has shown, the NHS has follow the latest guidance arrangements in place to from health authorities. a pandemic work with a wide-range of u Keep healthy - a healthy partners to manage increased lifestyle is a great defence A pandemic occurs when a The spread of the Covid-19 demand on health care against flu and other illnesses. virus emerges which is able to Coronavirus has demonstrated services. u Identify a flu friend - somebody who is well who spread from person to person. the unpredictability of the u Partners work to distribute would help you if you caught Most people don’t have impact of pandemics. This virus medicines and vaccinating pandemic flu by collecting immunity, and the virus spreads has impacted upon the lives of those at risk, as soon as an your medication, food and across the world. millions of people across the appropriate vaccine is globe and has led to the death other necessities for you. Large numbers of people may produced, in the event of a of hundreds of thousands of u If eligible, have your free become infected by this new pandemic. people. seasonal flu vaccine every virus over a relatively short u Plans and procedures are year. period of time. tested and reviewed and u Flu vaccinations may also be Unlike a normal flu virus, which improvements identified and available for those who aren’t occurs during the winter implemented. eligible for a free vaccine. months, a pandemic can occur u Plans and procedures are Details will be available at at any time in one or more tested and reviewed and your local community waves, possibly weeks or improvements identified pharmacy. u months apart. and implemented. To avoid spreading flu germs, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and wash your hands. 10 11 Consequences: u Whilst attacks of this nature are still very rare in the UK, recent events at home and abroad have meant that people are understandably concerned about firearms or weapons attacks. u The impact and consequences of a terror attack would be wide ranging and irrevocable. u Mass fatalities, widespread injury, fear and worry and damage to property or infrastructure are all possibilities.

What are we doing u If there’s nowhere to go, then in North Wales? hide. It’s better to hide than confront the attackers. u The police lead all planning in u relation to counter terrorism Remember to turn your terrorist incidents but key partners work with mobile phone to silent and them to help reduce the risk turn off the vibrate setting. Over recent times, the issue of caught up in a terror attack is and ensure the protection of u Barricade yourself in if you terrorist attacks has regularly very small, the threat from the public by supporting the can. been in the news. But it’s been terrorism is very real. national Counter Terrorism u Then finally, and only when it on the agenda for the police Terrorists work to damage Strategy. is safe to do so, tell the police and security service for much communities. However, by by calling 999. longer. They have been working working together communities Things you If you are asked to evacuate – constantly to foil terrorists for can tackle the problem so that can do: many years. everyone can go about their follow all instructions from the everyday lives freely and with If you see or hear something that emergency services. Whilst the probability of getting confidence. could be terrorist related, trust your instincts and call the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321. u In the unlikely event of getting caught up in a terrorist incident, use the Run, Hide, Tell advice: u Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option that to surrender or negotiate. 12 13 Consequences: u Health risks to the public. u Pollution of natural environment. u Possible damage to property and the local area. u Possible impact on tourism and local businesses.

What are we doing What should in North Wales? you do?

u Working with site operators u Be aware if you live near an to develop off-site response industrial site and take note plans and specific information of any communications you to neighbouring communities may receive from site on what to do in the event operators. Follow those industrial incidents of an incident. instructions and wait for further advice. u Facilitating regular exercises Industrial accidents can occur substances and limit the to rehearse on site and off u If you hear a warning of an on regulated sites or can involve effects on the public and site response arrangements emergency incident, go vehicles or vessels transporting the environment. identifying sites which may indoors, close all windows industrial materials through the u North Wales hosts two pose a risk and developing and doors and tune into North Wales area. former nuclear power multi agency response local radio/ social media Incidents may involve industrial stations, with Radiation procedures. for further advice. explosions and major fires, toxic Emergency Preparedness u Co-operate with the or radioactive release or have & Public Information emergency services fully. the potential to cause serious Regulations 2019 (REPPIR) They are there to help. injuries to the public and in place to manage potential Stay calm and listen to damage the local environment. risks. their instructions if you are There is a range of legislation u Pipeline Safety Regulations evacuated from your home in place to manage the risk: 1996 also enforce for any reason. regulations that relate to u Control of Major Accident the high pressure Major Hazards (COMAH) Accident Hazard Pipelines Regulations 2015 aim to (MAHP) that cross through prevent major accidents North Wales. involving dangerous 14 15 loss of critical Consequences: infrastructure u Lack of drinking water. u Homes without electricity / gas / oil limits people’s ability Critical Infrastructure is the With increasing reliance on to prepare food and stay warm. name given to the services we utilities such as electricity, water rely on as part of modern life and gas for so many aspects of What are we doing What should and a modern economy; these our lives, even localised losses in North Wales? you do? include electricity, gas, drinking can have a significant impact u Working with utility u Make a note of contact water, telecoms, oil and fuel. on those affected. companies to manage numbers for the utilities interruptions to supplies. companies.

u Developing multi-agency u Find out where and how to plans to manage longer turn off the water, gas and term interruptions to electricity supply in your services. home.

u Identifying vulnerable u Keep an emergency kit ready. residents who may need u Check on neighbours and additional support. relatives.

16 17 animal disease Consequences: u Impact on agriculture, food chain, rural economy Animal diseases that present There have been a number and tourism. the most concern are those of significant animal disease which are highly contagious, outbreaks in the United What are we doing What do you cause high fatality rates Kingdom; Foot and Mouth in North Wales? need to do? amongst livestock or have the Disease, Bluetongue, Anthrax possibility of infecting humans. and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) u Production of multi-agency u If an outbreak is declared being the most notable recent contingency plans for then follow any guidance examples. managing animal disease from the government at the outbreaks. time to protect your livestock and limit the spread. u Raising disease awareness u Vaccinate livestock where amongst farmers and farm workers. possible. u Make sure to follow the Countryside Code when you’re out and about. u If an outbreak is declared, follow advice from relevant authorities in order to help limit the spread of disease. 18 19 pollution Consequences: u Health risk to local residents and visitors. Pollution of our coastline, local economy. Pollution can u Damage to environment and wildlife. rivers, , land or air take the form of an oil spill, u Impact on tourism or agriculture. could have serious impact on a chemical leak or smoke health, the environment and the from a large fire. What are we doing What should in North Wales? you do?

u Maintaining multi-agency u If you become aware of a plans for the clean-up of spills potential incident of pollution, or leaks to minimise impact. report the matter to your local in the first instance.

u Follow the advice given by the organisations responding to the incident. e.g. stay indoors, close windows.

u Tune in to local radio / follow trusted social media.

20 21 Consequences: u Disruption to normal travel capabilities. u Injury or risk to life and possible delays in emergency services reaching people. u People stranded in vehicles in possibly severe weather conditions. u Environmental impacts if hazardous materials are spilled / released into local environment. u Possible damage to buildings or infrastructure. u Impact on local businesses due to delays.

What are we doing What should in North Wales? you do?

u All relevant highways u Plan your journey in advance transport incidents authorities work together to and listen to the local radio. plan for major incidents and The vast majority of us rely on Transport emergencies can u Have an emergency kit keep all major roads transport links in our everyday be the result of accidents or in your car. accessible during times lives – to travel to and from disruption caused by severe of disruption. u Ensure your vehicle is in work or to access essential weather such as snow and a roadworthy and safe services. Therefore, when an floods. Key partners including u Work with railways, ports condition and abide by incident or accident affects emergency services, the Welsh and ferry companies to plan the rules of the road. key transport links, such as Government, North and Mid for incidents affecting the A55 and other trunk roads, Wales Trunk Road Agency, passengers. u Avoid non-essential the consequences can be county councils, rail and ferry journeys during times far-reaching and could companies work together to of severe weather. endanger lives. provide information on transport accidents and put diversions or alternative transport arrangements in place where necessary.

22 23 At home in an Leaving your home emergency: in an emergency:

Gather the following as In certain situations, you may an emergency kit: be asked to leave your home by the emergency services. If this u A list of useful phone happens, leave as quickly and numbers, e.g. for your calmly as possible. doctor and close relatives If you have time: u House and car keys u Turn off electricity, gas and u Toiletries, sanitary supplies water supplies, unplug and any regularly prescribed appliances and lock all medication doors and windows u A wind-up radio or battery being prepared u Take your emergency kit powered radio with spare in the home batteries u If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets u A first aid kit What can you do to be better u The emergency procedures u Take your pets (with suitable prepared in your home? for your children at school u Mobile phone and charger carriers or leads) and pet In the case of most major u The emergency procedures u Cash and bank cards food emergencies, the simple advice in your workplace u Bottled water, ready to eat u Tune in to local radio / trusted is to go inside, stay inside and u How your family will stay in food. tune into local radio, television social media for emergency contact in the event of an advice and instructions. and trusted social media. A template to help develop emergency a Home Emergency Plan Listen to the advice from Planning for an emergency: u If any older or vulnerable is available from emergency services or local To prepare for an emergency, neighbours might need your www.nwc-reps.org.uk authorities about any specific you should take time to find out: help actions which you must follow u Where and how to turn off u How to tune in to your local when it is safe to return home. water, gas and electricity radio station. supplies in your home

24 25 businesses Make sure your business 3. Consider the resources being prepared has a continuity plan. needs of each of your 1. Understand your business. business functions u People If you own or are responsible How would your What parts of the business for a business or organisation, organisation cope with: are critical and what priority u Premises have you considered the would you allocate to u A sudden and significant u Equipment impacts from external restoring functions if reduction in staff. u Information emergencies? they fail? u Denial of access to a site u Communications or geographical area. 2. What risks does your u External suppliers/contractors u Unexpected loss of mains business face? electricity. Consider these risks 4. Document information in a u A temporary disruption to within your business risk user-friendly format about gas supplies, water mains assessment. What can you your business critical and sewerage. put in place to reduce the functions and the resources u Significant disruption to likelihood of the risks and/ required including alternatives transport. or the impact of them? / back-ups for each. u Loss of telecommunications. 5. Train and test your staff in activating the continuity plan and the roles and procedures within it.

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want to know more?

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT PREPARING H M Maritime and FOR EMERGENCIES IS AVAILABLE FROM: 101 or 0300 330 0101 Coastguard Agency www.north-wales.police.uk 01407 762051 Isle of Anglesey Flintshire County Council @NWPolice www.dft.gov.uk/mca/ County Council 01352 752121 /NorthWalesPolice @MCA_media 01248 750057 www.flintshire.gov.uk /MCA www.anglesey.gov.uk @FlintshireCC North Wales Fire @angleseycouncil and Rescue Service Gwynedd Council /IOACC/ 01745 535 250 0300 065 3000 01766 771000 www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk Conwy County www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru @NorthWalesFire @NatResWales Borough Council @CyngorGwynedd /Northwalesfireservice /NatResWales 01492 574000 /CyngorGwyneddCouncil www.conwy.gov.uk Welsh Ambulance NHS Trust Public Health Wales Wrexham County @ConwyCBC 01745 532900 02920 227 744 / Borough Council /ConwyCBC www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk [email protected] 01978 292000 / 01978 292055 @WelshAmbulance www.publichealthwales.org Denbighshire County Council www.wrexham.gov.uk /welshambulanceservice @PublicHealthW 01824 706000 @wrexhamcbc /PublicHealthWales www.denbighshire.gov.uk /wrexhamcouncil Betsi Cadwaladr @DenbighshireCC University Health Board Traffic Wales Service /denbighshirecountycouncil 01248 384 384 0300 123 1213 www.bcu.wales.nhs.uk www.traffic.wales @BCUHB @TrafficWalesN /bcuhealthboard ISLE OF North Wales Resilience Forum ANGLESEY @NWRF2012 FLINTSHIRE /North Wales Resilience Forum

CONWY DENBIGHSHIRE

WREXHAM

GWYNEDD

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useful contacts local media

Power Cuts: BBC Radio Wales: 105 103.9 FM

Gas Emergency: BBC Radio Cymru: 0800 111 999 92.4 - 94.6 FM

Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water: North Wales and West: 0800 052 0130 103.4 96.3 & 103 FM www.dwrcymru.com Dee106.3 FM: Hafren Dyfrdwy: 106.3 FM 0800 085 8033 Môn FM: www.hdcymru.co.uk 102.5 FM NHS Direct Wales: 0845 46 47 useful websites www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk www.gov.uk Floodline: 0345 988 1188 www.gov.wales www.naturalresources.wales/flooding www.traffic.wales www.metoffice.gov.uk www.gov.wales/wales-resilience-forum www.bbc.co.uk/wales

In the event of an emergency dial 999.

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