Stage 1 – context

Context is based around the concept of anticipation. Responders are required to systematically identify new or changing risks within their region. This process is also known as horizon scanning and should consider:

• environment – what is the region's geography? What are the vulnerabilities? Are there any protected sites (for example, sites of special scientific interest)?
• hazardous sites – what potentially hazardous sites are there in your region? Where are they in relation to communities or sensitive environmental sites?
• social – what is the demographic, ethnic and socio-economic makeup? Are there are any particularly vulnerable groups? Where are the communities situated? How prepared are different communities?
• Infrastructure – where is key infrastructure in your region (for example, transport, utilities or business)? What are the critical supply networks? Are there sites that are critical for local, regional and national essential services?
• Regional economy – what are the most significant economies in the region? How prepared are these businesses to deal with emergencies?