The CRR lists hazards that are a potential risk to the population and infrastructure within the MRF area. The hazard topics were identified on a national level by the Cabinet Office, then modified and adapted to make them specific to local hazards. 

The hazards have been determined from studying historical data, and assessing the likelihood of their occurrence. The potential impacts of the risks posed by the hazards have been measured by using health, social, economic and environmental indicators, in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness guidance.

An event or situation that threatens serious damage to:

• Human welfare;

• The environment;

• Security (effectively war or terrorism).

In order to constitute an emergency, an event or situation must additionally require the implementation of special arrangements by one or more Category 1 Responder.

‘An approach to preventing and managing emergencies that entails six key activities – anticipation, assessment, prevention, response, and recovery. Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) is geared to the idea of building greater overall resilience in the face of a broad range of disruptive challenges. It requires a coherent multi-agency effort'. (HM Government Emergency Response and Recovery, October 2013).

A plan is a written record of agreed future actions intended to be taken to prevent an emergency, or to respond to a disaster or emergency.

• Prepare for unusual circumstances;

• Ensure delivery of pre-planned responses;

• Formulate a ‘check list';

• Control the actions of others;

• Protect oneself and organisation(s);

• Fulfil a legal requirement;

• Create a comprehensive reference document.

Through carrying out joint training and exercises partner agencies and stakeholders are able to provide an integrated and coordinated response. This collaboration familiarises all parties with the management framework during a response, highlights problems, ensures plans and procedures are up to date and formulates working relationships.