This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Emergency advice booklet
26/07/2004
Every household in Scotland is to receive a
booklet
from the Government advising them on what to do in the
event of an emergency.
Developed in partnership with the UK Government, the
booklet includes practical advice on how to prepare for an
emergency, information on what action to take should one
occur, and key contact telephone numbers.
Welcoming the UK launch of the information booklets,
which will be delivered to households in August, Deputy
Justice Minister Hugh Henry said:
"Public safety is always a prime concern for the
Executive and this booklet will assist in ensuring that the
public is better informed and better prepared should an
emergency arise. The additional and emerging threat from
global terrorism makes this an opportune time to improve
the quality and quantity of easily-accessible information
each and every one of us needs.
"I am grateful to the wide range of organisations that
have assisted in its creation which has ensured that it
offers the best possible available advice. People across
Scotland will have practical, common sense information at
their fingertips. Much of the information is consistent
across the UK, however we have also ensured that where
there are differences in Scottish institutions or
circumstances these are reflected.
"I want to make clear that Government is publishing this
information not because of any specific threat but because
we want the public to be alert, aware and kept informed -
not that they should be alarmed."
The booklet is published by the UK Government and is
fully supported by the Scottish Executive and the other
devolved administrations. The information in the booklet
covers areas that are both reserved to the UK Government
and devolved to the Scottish Executive.
The campaign is also supported by a new website -
www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk
A national TV and newspaper advertising campaign will
begin today advising the public of this new booklet and the
advice which it offers. Booklets will drop through
letterboxes during August. It is possible that not all
households will receive a copy at this distribution for a
variety of reasons and arrangements are in place to provide
reminders and advice on where copies of the booklet can be
obtained.
The cost of the campaign across the UK is £8.3 million
with Scotland's contribution being £1 million.
Government Departments across the UK including the
Scottish Executive have written to a wide range of
stakeholders whose organisation is mentioned in the booklet
or whose business may be affected by its content.