The initial response will be in the hands of the Emergency Services. Once the majority of their work, which primarily deals with saving lives and rescuing people, the Local Authority will take over and lead on the recovery stage, where normality is restored to the community.

West Midlands Police

Controlling the scene of the emergency, (e.g. by cordoning off the area and controlling sightseers and traffic) and managing all other organisations on site.

West Midlands Fire Service

Putting out fires, rescuing trapped people and helping to deal with dangerous chemical leaks and explosions.

West Midlands Ambulance Service and NHS Trusts

Treating the injured at the scene and transporting them to hospital. Deciding which hospital to take patients to.

Voluntary Services

Requested by the Council to provide assistance, e.g. Red Cross Ambulances, Radios, Clergy Teams and feeding (through WRVS).

Utilities

E.g. gas, electricity, water, telephone or transport companies. Will provide/repair their services as necessary.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council will provide:

• Temporary shelter and food
• Advice on temporary re-housing, repairs, rebuilding etc
• Transport for people evacuated to temporary shelters
• The removal of any waste created by the disaster which includes materials such as rubble, fallen trees etc
• Crisis counselling for people affected by an emergency
• Assist vulnerable people such as those who have difficulty hearing, seeing or walking
• Building services, such as builders, surveyors and engineers
• Environmental (health) services, e.g. public health
• And lead the ‘return to normality’ stage.
• Warning messages and information about the incident

Business Continuity Plans within Sandwell Council will ensure that during an emergency it continues to:

• Deliver services that support the work being done in response to the emergency; services that are essential to human welfare and the environment
• Deliver its normal ‘day to day’ services, e.g. housing, social services, schools etc.
• Helps the emergency services by providing staff, equipment, etc.
• Issues information on the emergency to the community