Evacuation and traffic management (full report) - FLOODsite

Task 17 Evacuation D17-1
Contract No:GOCE-CT-2004-505420
Where there is more than one scene or incident, it may be necessary to invoke the gold level of
management to take overall command and set the strategic direction. Once this occurs, silver
commanders continue to effect multi-agency co-ordination within their area of responsibility, while
simultaneously directing tactical operations within the strategic direction and parameters set by gold
(HM Government 2005a, 2005b).
Gold
Gold command is triggered where an event or situation is likely to have:
• Especially significant impact;
• Substantial resource implications;
• Large number of organisations;
• An extended duration.
The multi-agency group, which brings together gold commanders from relevant organisations, is
called the Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG). The SCG will:
• Determine and promulgate a clear strategic aim and objectives and review them regularly;
• Establish a policy framework for the overall management of the event or situation;
• Prioritise the demands of silver and allocate personnel and resources to meet requirements;
• Formulate and implement media-handling and public communication plans; and
• Direct planning and operations beyond the immediate response in order to facilitate the recovery
process.
In most emergencies with significant recovery implications, a Recovery Working Group (RWG) will
also be established. For a flood emergency, it will normally be the role of the police to co-ordinate the
gold management level and therefore to chair the SCG. Depending on the nature, extent and severity
of the emergency, either the regional tier or central government may become involved. The SCG will
then become the primary interface with these other levels of response.
Arrangements necessary in the immediate vicinity of the flood include:
• Assessing control measures with regard to reducing risk;
• Deciding the functions to be controlled by each agency after taking account of:
– the circumstances;
– the professional expertise of the emergency services and other agencies;
– statutory obligations; and
– overall priorities;
• Reception and engagement of utility companies’ staff (e.g. gas, electricity and water) on essential
safety work, or to effect the restoration of essential services, where appropriate; and
• Setting up an inner cordon to secure the immediate scene and provide a measure of protection for
personnel working within the area, as illustrated in the Figure 2.1 below. All those entering the
inner cordon should report to a designated cordon access point. This ensures that they can be
safely accounted for should there be any escalation of the incident, and affords an opportunity for
briefing about the evacuation signal, hazards, control measures and other issues about which they
need to be aware. People entering the inner cordon must have an appropriate level of personal
protective equipment, while those leaving must register their departure.
(HM Government 2005a, 2005b).
T17_07_02_Evacuation_and_traffic_management_D17_1_V4_4_P01.doc 19 03 2008
16