What is an emergency?
An emergency is any event that threatens serious harm to people, the environment, or national security.
Our responsibilities
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, we are a Category 1 responder. This means we work with emergency services and other agencies to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Working together
We are part of Surrey’s Local Resilience Forum, a partnership of councils, emergency services, health agencies, and voluntary groups. Together we plan for risks such as flooding, severe weather, and public health incidents.
Resources for residents
Surrey Prepared – practical advice for households and businesses.
Community Risk Register – details of risks affecting Surrey.
Flood advice and warnings – GOV.UK guidance.
Purpose of the emergency plan
Our Emergency plan sets out how we prepare for, respond to, and recover from major incidents and emergencies. It ensures that residents, businesses, and visitors are protected and supported during disruptive events.
What counts as an emergency?
An emergency is any event that:
- poses a serious risk to life, health, property, or the environment
- disrupts essential services such as transport, utilities, or communications
- requires coordinated action across multiple agencies
Examples include:
- severe weather (flooding, snow, heatwaves)
- major fires or accidents
- public health incidents
- terrorist threats or security concerns
Contact us
Email: emergency.planning@waverley.gov.uk
Download our emergency plan
Civil Contingencies Act 2004
The Civil Contingencies Act, and accompanying non-legislative measures, delivers a single framework for civil protection in the UK.
It is separated into two substantive parts:
Part 1 – Local arrangements for civil protection
- Establishes clear roles and responsibilities for those involved in emergency preparation and response at the local level.
- Divides local responders into two categories, imposing different duties on each.
- Category 1 responders are organisations at the core of the response to most emergencies. As a local authority, Waverley falls under this category.
- One duty specific to local authorities is to provide advice and assistance to businesses and voluntary organisations about business continuity management.
Part 2 – Emergency powers
- Updates the 1920 Emergency Powers Act.
- Allows for temporary special legislation (emergency regulations) to help deal with the most serious emergencies.
Emergency management in Waverley and Surrey
In Waverley: We have an emergency planning team to carry out our duties under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
Across Surrey: Waverley Borough Council is a member of Surrey’s Local Resilience Forum, a multi-agency partnership made up of all emergency responders active in Surrey. This enables effective multi-agency working under the Act.
Resources to help residents plan and respond
Flooding resources: