Our role
When most people picture an emergency, they think of the police, fire service, or ambulance crews. However, our organisation also plays a crucial part. Our Emergency Planning Team leads the local authority’s response, using their detailed knowledge of the community and local area.
Our team makes sure we meet our legal and practical responsibilities during major incidents. This includes:
Planning and preparedness
- creating and updating local emergency plans
- providing a round-the-clock, year‑round service to support the management of major incidents
- working closely with other emergency responders
- coordinating the council services required during an emergency
Support for the public
- arranging emergency transport to move people to safe locations
- setting up assistance centres for residents evacuated from an incident
- establishing support centres after major events to provide information and help for families and friends of those missing, injured, or killed
- organising temporary accommodation for residents who cannot return home
- continuing to deliver essential public services throughout an emergency
- sharing accurate and timely emergency information
We are an active member of the Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum (BLRF). This brings together emergency services, local councils, the NHS, and partner agencies to strengthen the county’s preparedness and ensure coordinated responses.
How the BLRF supports the community
If a major incident occurs, whether an expected high-risk like flooding or something unforeseen, the BLRF works to ensure strong response and recovery plans are ready.
The aim is to reduce disruption, protect residents and the environment, and help communities return to normal as quickly as possible. Key activities include:
- assessing local risks to determine what needs detailed planning
- producing and testing emergency plans and guidance for all member organisations
- sharing essential information with partners to improve preparedness
- coordinating county‑wide communication and media responses
- working with voluntary organisations to provide support
- offering advice to help communities prepare for emergencies
For more details on emergency planning, community preparedness, volunteering opportunities, and support available, visit the BLRF website or contact us.
Telephone: 01582 547240