Weather chaos simulations 'could help beat problems'

COUNCILLORS should experience real-life simulations of extreme weather as training for emergencies, a report suggests.

It is one of 47 recommendations in a review into the big freeze of 2010, which criticised officials for not activating the emergency plan.

Rotherham Borough Council finally responded to the report 16 months after the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall caused chaos.

The Winter Weather Review Group’s scrutiny paper suggested better linking of agencies and services would have brought a better response.

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It added that members should have emergency planning training that “simulates an adverse weather incident rather than a ‘chalk and talk’ exercise.”

A council spokesman said the emergency plan was currently being refreshed to take account of the winter weather incidents of 2010.

He added: “Some training has recently been made available for councillors. A further session is planned for June 2012.”

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