Frequently Asked Questions about Emergencies

What is a major incident?

A major incident is defined as any emergency situation that has the potential to cause major disruption to the community, affects large numbers of people, causes a substantial amount of damage to property and the environment and/or creates a strain on resources, which cannot be dealt with by the emergency services and local authorities as part of their normal day to day activities.

What is an emergency?

An emergency is defined as an event or situation that threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the UK, the environment of a place in the UK, or war or terrorism which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK.

What is emergency planning?

Although we live in a safe society, it is always sensible to prepare for the unexpected.

Planning for emergencies ensures that the emergency services, local authorities and other responding organisations better communicate and coordinate their efforts, improving both the management at the scene and the post emergency or major incident disaster recovery process.

Who do we work with?

As a partner of the Tayside Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG) we work very closely with all council services, neighbouring councils and the emergency services, National Health Service, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency to prepare plans and develop emergency response procedures.

We also work closely with the Scottish Government, utilities including gas companies, telecommunications electrical, transport organisations, harbour and port authorities, Health & Safety Executive, voluntary sector such as the British Red Cross, WRVS, St Andrews First Aid, and other similar groups willing to assist during an emergency situation or disruption within the community.

Where can I find out additional information about incidents and emergencies?

To find out more please use the links listed below: