Emergency Planning
West Somerset Council is designated a Category 1 responder under the terms of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
As a result of the new legislation the County Council and the five District Councils in Somerset have formed a partnership known as the 'Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Unit'.
The partnership is jointly funded and will manage and coordinate the responsibilities relating to civil contingency planning enabling a common approach across the County.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary roles of Local Authorities are to provide assistance to the emergency services in the initial stages of a major emergency, and the provision of temporary shelter to people who may be made temporarily homeless. Once the initial stage of a major emergency has passed, the Local Authorities will play a leading role in the recovery phase.