Emergency Planning

In the event of a major incident or civil emergency, West Wiltshire District Council has a statutory responsibility to work with Wiltshire County Council, the emergency services and other agencies to respond to the situation.

A major incident can arise anywhere, at any time and be for a short or long duration. The Police or Fire Service will normally determine what constitutes a major incident and alert other emergency services, Wiltshire County Council, who have strategic responsibility for emergency planning, the relevant district councils and any other agencies that need to be involved.

West Wiltshire District Council is responsible for co-ordinating the non-uniformed support needed to maintain public services and assist residents in distress. Initially this may involve supporting the emergency services, but thereafter the Council’s role may become more prominent to the point of becoming the lead authority.