Staff emergency information

This guidance is for Council staff only in the event of a major incident, or serious disruption resulting from severe weather.

Should a major incident occur in the city and you are not at work, you will probably first hear of it on the radio, television, telephone or internet. It may have affected where you work or your route to work.

What should you do?

In the first instance try to contact your place of work and seek advice from your manager or a colleague.

You may also want to check the following for any important information:

• this website

• your email

• the Council's Twitter page

• Lothian and Borders Police website

• Lothian and Borders Police Twitter.

In some circumstances we may use a dedicated telephone line (0131 200 2390) to provide advice to staff.

It is likely to take some time to gather accurate information and to decide the best course of action. So, if advice is not immediately available please check back.

Information and advice may also be available from recognised news sources such as Radio Forth, BBC and STV (whether through their broadcast channels or online). 

What should I do in the interim?

Depending on the circumstances you may need to following the basic emergency advice of 'Go in, stay in, tune in':

1. Go indoors, stay indoors and follow local media (especially radio, TV and official online sources).

2. Make sure you are safe and that your family, and other members of your household, are okay.

3. Make contact with close family and friends and, if possible, check on vulnerable neighbours.

What to do next?

If you go to work you may be working at a different building or different hours. (Some staff may be able to work from home.) If you are leaving your home, prepare yourself by considering the following:

• Charge your mobile and bring the charger

• Take some food and extra clothing

• Make sure your home is secure and safe.

Absence / flexible working during severe weather

For reference, if you are in the office, advice is available on the Orb for staff and managers about managing absence or flexible working during severe weather. If you are not able to reach the office, then you will need to discuss options with your line manager (or another appropriate manager in their absence).