In the event of a major incident within the borough, it is incumbent on the council to instigate if required a helpline to assist members of the public to obtain information about the incident. The Contingency and Disaster Management Section has a number of persons upon whom it can call to staff a helpline at any time.
In the event of an emergency situation arising where the public need information as to
- Who to contact regarding the location of their family or friends
- What to do as a precaution to prevent further harm
- Advice on whether they themselves are at risk
- What will happen next
- Areas to avoid
The council will as soon as practicable open a Public Helpline, this will be an 0800 number which will be advertised through the media to the public, in order that concerned individuals can get the information they require.
It may be that the Helpline will only be able to answer certain questions by referral of the caller to other agencies, in this instance alternative contact numbers will be given.
