New website launched to help communities be better prepared for emergencies

People across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford, and Worcestershire are being encouraged to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies with the launch of a new website from the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum (LRF).

The West Mercia LRF is a multi-agency partnership made up of the emergency services, local authorities, NHS organisations, utility providers and other key agencies. The partnership works together year-round to prepare for, respond to and recover from, major emergencies.

The website, launched as part of Preparedness Month, brings together trusted advice, practical guidance and information on a range of emergencies and disruptions that could affect local communities.

The new site provides information on risks including severe weather, flooding, infrastructure disruption, cyber attacks and other emergencies. It offers practical advice on how individuals, families, businesses and communities can prepare, helping people become more resilient when unexpected emergencies happen. It also provides a one stop hub for contact details for agencies you may need to reach out to in a crisis.

Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Richard Cooper, who Chairs the LRF, said:

“Being better prepared is one of the simplest ways you can help yourself, your family and your community stay safe. Whether it’s knowing who to contact during an emergency, preparing for severe weather or understanding local risks, this new website gives you practical information in one place to help you take practical action before you need it.”

Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response for West Midlands Ambulance Service, James Williams, said:

“We never know when an emergency might happen, but there are things we can all do to be better prepared. For ambulance crews, that preparation can make a real difference when responding to an incident. This new website provides a trusted, straightforward source of information to help people understand the risks around them and take simple steps now that could help them, their families and their communities in an emergency.”

Find the website here: www.westmerciaresilienceforum.org.