ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with responses to emergencies. It provides guidelines on the role of an Emergency Operations Centre, Emergency communications systems and procedures and Evacuation procedures and protocols. Emergency situations demand leadership and guidance, initiating crowd evacuation as quickly as possible if required; strategies for communicating with the crowd to provide information; communication with emergency response agencies, and awareness of how individuals are likely to behave during an emergency. Selecting and briefing the emergency communications team is one of the more difficult tasks. Batteries can form an important part of emergency power backup, in the form of uninterruptible power supplies that switch on instantly in the event of a power failure. All events need an emergency communication plan that is comprehensive, well-organised, and explores teamwork and leadership. In an emergency, a ‘grab bag’ should be available to senior staff which contains essential equipment and information.
