Frequently asked questions
What is Emergency Planning?
Local authorities are designated Category 1 responders as set out in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Alongside the emergency services and others, we have a statutory duty to plan for and respond effectively to emergencies or disruption that impact on the communities of the Scottish Borders. We aim to raise awareness of hazards and threats and protect people and the environment to the best of our ability.
Why does the Council need emergency plans?
We prepare emergency contingency plans to ensure that we can respond effectively to emergencies within the Scottish Borders and provide support to the emergency services and local community.
The introduction of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 requires local authorities (as Category 1 responders) to prepare contingency plans and develop response arrangements for a wide range of emergencies. The plans provide guidance for staff on how to deal with emergency situations.
What should I do in an emergency?
If the emergency means it is not safe to go out, the advice is usually to:
- GO IN (go indoors and close all windows and doors)
- STAY IN (stay indoors)
- TUNE IN (to local radio, TV, or the internet, where public information and advice from the emergency services and other agencies will be broadcast.)
The local radio station is broadcast on frequency 96.8 FM (Central Borders), 102.3 (Berwick), 103.1 (Peebles), 103.4 (Eyemouth).
Radio Scotland, including local news broadcasts six times a day, can be found at 92 - 95 FM. Two local news broadcasts are also available through BBC Sounds.
Emergency evacuation
The evacuation of houses will only happen in extreme circumstances.
If the police ask you to leave your home, please do so. They will ask you to go to a place of safety. If you decide to go somewhere else, let them know so you can be accounted for.
If there is time, you should take along medicines, warm clothes, any special foods, and personal documents. If you have pets, which cannot be left alone for a sustained period, you should take some food, a basket/bed, and leads with you.
If you have time, you should make sure that fires are out, your water, gas and electricity are switched off, and your property is locked up.
Should I have a home emergency kit and if so, what should it contain?
A home emergency kit is one of the best ways to deal with the unexpected. We recommend that all households create a small emergency kit and keep it in a safe but accessible place. This will help you in a wide range of emergency situations and minimise the stress or expense that unexpected events can bring. More advice on what an emergency kit should contain can be found on the Ready Scotland website.
What is business continuity planning?
By identifying and assessing the impact of emergencies or other events that may cause disruption to vital services, we ensure that where reasonably practicable, we can maintain a consistent level of service to the community during an emergency situation.
For more information on your on business continuity planning, see our business advice pages.