What we do
As a local authority we have a statutory duty to ensure we effectively respond to any emergency or disruption.
Working in partnership with agencies such as Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service, National Health Service, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the voluntary sector, we are always developing, testing, and reviewing our emergency plans.
Our aim is to raise awareness of hazards and threats and protect local people and the environment from them as best we can.
We work closely with community councils and our local Resilient Communities network to help our communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. For more information on how your community can prepare for emergencies, please visit Ready Scotland or find out about the Resilient Communities initiative in the Scottish Borders.
Why we do it
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, along with partners, we have a duty to:
- Assess risk
- Maintain emergency plans
- Maintain business continuity plans
- Promote business continuity/recovery
- Communicate with the public
- Share information with other emergency responders
- Cooperate with other emergency responders
More information on local and national emergency planning can be found in the Scottish Government's 'Preparing Scotland' guidance.