§ Mr. FrancoisTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what schemes the Government intend to implement to increase public knowledge and awareness with regard to emergency planning; and if he will make a statement. [73774]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe provision of advice and guidance to the public remains central to the government's approach to contingency planning.
Extensive arrangements are in place at central government and local authority level to ensure the provision of information on specific issues. Government Departments and agencies use a range of tools including web-sites to disseminate relevant facts and advice. In cases of particular emergency, such as flooding, publicity would be given to the risks as well as sources of help and advice. This would be through regional or national activity including the use of broadcast media. The Cabinet Office provides central co-ordination where required.
Work is in hand to revise and update the document "Dealing with Disaster", a key statement of guidance on the arrangements for emergency response nation-wide. in consultation with local authorities and the emergency services.
Thinking on public information and guidance is regularly exchanged between central, local and devolved government through courses and seminars held under the auspices of the Emergency Planning College (EPC). Further details can be found on the EPC web-site at www.ukresilience.info/college.