New Emergency Planning Officer appointed

12 December 2006

Michael Long, the former Emergency Planning and Civil Contingencies Co-ordinator for the Emergency Services (Wales) has been appointed Jersey’s new Emergency Planning Officer.

In his role Mike will coordinate work amongst States departments, as well as other organizations in industry, commerce and emergency services on the Island. Doing this, he will plan how the whole Island could respond swiftly and effectively to any major incident or emergency. Another part of his work will be in planning a post-emergency recovery programme which will include managing the consequences of such an incident.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker, said

"This is a very important appointment which will ensure that all agencies in the Island work together to plan how we will all respond in an emergency. The Strategic Plan specifically mentions emergency planning and recognizes its role in caring properly for the community. We have to be able to deal with any incident that could affect our economic or environmental stability and the appointment of Michael Long with his extensive experience will ensure that we are fully prepared.

-ends-

Notes to Editors:

1. Mr Long's previous work involved representing and advising the Chief Officers of four Police and three Fire Services, the Wales Ambulance Service Trust, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and 160 (Wales) Brigade, on Civil Contingencies and Emergency Planning in response to the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

2. Following the 11 September terrorist attacks in New York and the more recent 7 July attacks in London, Michael provided critical incident management and emergency planning advice to a multi -agency strategic co-ordination group. He also worked closely with the Welsh Assembly Government and Local Authorities in Wales on a wide range of emergency planning issues.

3. Michael has moved to the Island with his wife, Carol, and their youngest daughter Loren. He has two older children, Rebecca and Matthew, who live and work in London.

4. For further information, Mr Long will be available on Wednesday 13 December on 01534 612555 or 612556.