Types of Risks

There are many different words used to describe large scale events of an unfortunate nature; crisis, emergency, major incident and disaster are just some of those used. Throughout the United Kingdom, it is generally agreed that a major incident is any emergency that requires the implementation of special arrangements by one or more of the emergency services, the NHS or the local authorities. This can include:

• The displacement and/or casualties of a large number of people.
• A serious incident that affect the transportation network.
• Extreme weather events.
• Large scale industrial accidents.
• Health related emergencies.
• Terrorist attacks.

Types of Risks

Emergencies come in many different forms; some natural and some manmade. Emergencies of one sort or another will have a significant impact on our daily lives. Risks can range from road accidents and house fires that affect a small number of people to flooding, severe weather and power outages that can affect thousands of people. Understanding the different risks we face and how they could affect you can help you become more prepared for dealing with an emergency.

The risks that the United Kingdom faces are continually changing: risks emerge and threats evolve, yet our ability to respond to the disruptive challenges we face continues to improve. These risks can take on a number of different guises and each area of the country is affected by different risks, which is why different areas produce their own local risk register. Being prepared and having a plan for ‘what if’ could be extremely useful one day.

Are you Ready?

Being prepared can make the world of difference. Are you prepared if there was a power cut, a water shortage or if your house was flooded? Or do you have supplies in your car if you got stuck in snow? Just by being ready for a number of different risks or by knowing that they do exist in the United Kingdom could help you.