Minister welcomes launch of emergency procedures leaflet

NIO Minister Angela Smith has welcomed today's Home Office announcement that every home in Northern Ireland is to receive a leaflet informing them of what to do in the event of an emergency.

The leaflet 'Preparing for Emergencies, what you need to know' is part of a Government public information campaign which will run over the next four weeks.

Television, radio and newspaper advertisements have also been booked to run during the month to ensure that as many people as possible are made aware of the advice.

Mrs Smith said: "The leaflet provides practical, common sense advice about what to do in the event of an emergency. It has been developed not because of any specific threat but to ensure the public is informed in a sensible and helpful way.

"Public safety is the Government's main concern and the leaflet brings together advice that has already been issued in to one practical guide to better inform the public who can help play their part in preventing emergencies and help to deal with them."

The leaflet, which is supported by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland Fire Brigade Chief Colin Lammey and Chief Medical Officer, Henrietta Campbell, draws on current best practice advice from experts and practitioners.

It provides information covering a wide range of emergencies, including fires and acts of terrorism and urges people to follow the recognised 'Go In, Stay In, Tune In' advice which is used by the emergency services.

The Minister added: "The leaflet explains what is being done to protect society and repeats the Government commitment to be able to respond to emergencies at national, regional and local level and make sure that essential services keep operating.

"People should not be alarmed by the leaflet but it is important that they read it, fill in the emergency contact details and keep the list of useful numbers somewhere safe."

The emergency leaflet is part of a nation wide public information campaign to give people advice on what to do in the event of an emergency.

Similar advice is already available on the Home Office, MI5 and UK Resilience websites.

(MB)