EMERGENCY services in Warwickshire are better prepared after they came together to plan their responses to major incidents.
At Warwickshire Resilience Forum’s (WRF) second annual Capabilities Day, more than 100 emergency planners and responders gathered to strengthen joint working and improve how the county prepares for and responds to emergencies such as flooding, cyber-attacks and extreme weather.
Held at the National Ministry Centre in Coventry, the event brought together partners including Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Environment Agency, Warwickshire Search and Rescue and the British Red Cross.
WRF partners delivered live, physical demonstrations of the specialist resources they use to respond to real emergencies, such as a mass decontamination exercise, a drone search operation, fire engines and a rescue boat.
The event was hosted by Warwickshire Resilience Forum (WRF), a partnership of public, private and voluntary sector agencies that works to ensure the county is prepared to respond to and recover from emergencies.
The Capabilities Day focused on strengthening relationships, sharing learning and exploring how agencies can work together during operational incidents and periods of adverse weather.
Ben Brook, WRF Co-Chair and Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was great to see so many colleagues from across emergency services, voluntary sector and partner organisations coming together to help make Warwickshire as prepared as it can be for emergencies.
“After experiencing the wettest spring on record, it’s so important to know who you’re working with when someone calls you at 2am for an emergency meeting. Events like this help to turn professional relationships into trusted partnerships.
“Residents across Warwickshire also have a vital role to play. Signing up for flood alerts, preparing a simple grab bag and knowing your local emergency contacts can make a real difference. Keeping an eye on five-day weather forecast is another quick and easy way to stay informed.
“Preparing for emergencies such as flooding or severe weather doesn’t have to be complicated. Small actions taken now can significantly improve your safety and give you greater peace of mind.”
Visit www.warwickshireresilienceforum.org for more information about how to be better prepared.
