Emergency planning
Large scale emergencies rarely occur but when they do they can have a huge effect on people’s lives. By planning ahead it is possible to reduce the effects and lessen the impact such events can cause.
In Newcastle, the Primary Care Trust works closely with Newcastle City Council, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northumbria Police and other emergency services to coordinate the response to such incidents. It links in with the regional emergency forums, which have been created now that the civil contingencies act has come into effect.
Newcastle PCT has emergency plans which have been approved by the board. They set out how the primary care trust will act in the event of a major incident or emergency to help protect the health of the local population.
What is a major incident or emergency?
Major incidents and emergencies could include:
Health alerts - health alerts can include the outbreak of disease, foot and mouth, rabies, or a biological attack. If you have concerns about your health contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Security - bomb warnings and explosions, public disorder, major crime and terrorist incidents are all examples of security incidents that require emergency planning.
Severe weather - severe weather can cause emergencies in a number of ways, including flooding, snow and gales. You can check if your property is at risk of flooding by visiting the flood section on the national environment agency website or by telephoning the Floodline on 0845 988 1188. If you are shown to be at risk of being flooded make sure you are up to date with the latest flood advice available.
Transport accidents - a major accident on the transport network (road, rail or air) could cause a wide range of disruption, depending on what was involved in the incident.
How do I get information in the event of an emergency?
Go in, stay in, tune in 
In the case of most major emergencies the simple advice to follow is to go inside, stay inside and tune into BBC Radio Newcastle.
With most incidents the safest place to be is indoors, and with correct preparation you should be able to stay there safely for some time (remember in the case of a fire in a building - get out and stay out).
The NHS and radio stations work together to make sure they can give out accurate and up to date health information to keep people fully informed on what to do if there is a major incident.
Radio is easily accessible. You can listen to it in the car and as long as you have a battery powered or wind-up radio you can still listen even if there is a power cut.
