UK emergency preparedness: a holistic response?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that to address the consequences of climate change and variability a greater focus on pre‐emergency planning that engages a wider stakeholder group must be adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses UK emergency management and approaches to climate change and climate variability risk.

Findings

The internal focus of UK emergency management inhibits the contribution that it can make to societal resilience and public preparedness. Effective risk reduction requires that all actors, including the public, are engaged in the social learning process. From a UK emergency management perspective this requires a culture shift to an outward proactive focus.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into emergency preparedness in the UK.

Citation

O'Brien, G. (2008), "UK emergency preparedness: a holistic response?", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 232-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560810872532