Watch your phone, the Government is testing its Emergency Alert system on Sunday!

The Emergency Alert system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency, such as severe flooding or extreme storms.

Like all counties, Hertfordshire residents and businesses face these and other potential risks, which is why Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (HLRF) has launched a new webpage: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ready to help make residents and businesses aware of the risks we all face and offer practical advice to help them prepare.

Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman, Chair of the Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum (HLRF), said:

“In Hertfordshire, severe flooding, extreme temperatures and power outage are just some of the risks we face. Being aware of what could happen and making some simple preparations will go a long way to reducing the impact on you, family, and friends in the event of an emergency.

“As the UK government tests plans for an emergency scenario, I’d like to encourage residents to do the same by having a look at our website and familiarising yourself with the advice, so we all know how best to protect those closest to us.”

There are six top risks in the county - extreme weather (hot and cold), flooding, cyber crime/attack, power outage, pandemics and terrorism. The webpage contains practical information for everyone on preparing for these risks, including a list of emergency supplies you may need during an incident. There are things residents can do now, such as ensuring you have basic supplies ahead of time, which may be difficult when something has already happened.

Hertfordshire’s Local Resilience Forum (HLRF) is a partnership of over 60 organisations including Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the police, and ambulance services, which plan and train together to provide the quickest and most effective response to incidents and emergencies.

Alex Woodman is also a member of the National Fire Chief’s Council (NFCC), with portfolio lead for Local Resilience, and an Ambassador for the National Emergencies Trust (NET). He has been helping promote this Emergency Alert test across the UK in the media this week.