An Emergency is defined as an event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the United Kingdom, the environment of a place in the United Kingdom, or war or terrorism which threatens serious damage to the security of the United Kingdom. For example the Towyn Floods 1990 Llandudno Floods 1993, Ruthin/Mold Floods 2000, Buncefield Oil Depot Fire 2005, Fuel Crisis 2000, Bombings in London July 2005, Foot and Mouth outbreak 2001.
When an incident occurs Denbighshire works together with responders such as North Wales Fire Service, Environment Agency Wales, North Wales Ambulance Trust. They also draw on the expertise of Voluntary Agencies, for example, WRVS and the Salvation Army. North Wales Police have the responsibility of co-ordinating all activities of responders at and around the scene during an emergency.
Specific tasks carried out by the Council during and after an emergency include:
- Setting-up an emergency control centre to manage the Council's response
- Appointing liaison officers to work with the emergency services and other agencies
- Providing scientific, engineering and technical advice
- Providing Environmental Health services and/or pest control
- Carrying-out structural inspections
- Removing debris
- Provision of transport for those affected
- Providing care and support to families/individuals affected
- Setting-up rest centres for evacuees and longer term temporary accommodation as required
- Supporting the provision of public information
- Setting-up temporary mortuaries
- Setting-up appeal funds
- Overseeing the recovery and rehabilitation of the community post incident
