By KLTV Newsdesk –

New guide outlines the region’s key risks and offers practical steps for individuals, families, and communities to boost their resilience

West Yorkshire Prepared, the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) for the region, has unveiled a new Community Risk Register (CRR), a user-friendly tool designed to help residents understand and prepare for the most significant risks that could affect West Yorkshire.

The LRF partnership, which brings together emergency services, councils, health organisations, and other key agencies, works to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from major incidents.

The new CRR provides clear, accessible information about potential hazards and advice on how to stay safe before, during, and after emergencies.

Preparing for the Colder Months

Dave Walton, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) and co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared, said: “As we head into the colder months, risks such as extreme cold, flooding and power cuts become more likely. While these events are not guaranteed, being prepared can make a real difference.

“The guidance in the West Yorkshire Community Risk Register outlines the most relevant risks for our region and offers simple, practical steps on planning ahead so you can make sure you and your family are prepared.”

The Region’s Main Risks

The Community Risk Register identifies the risks most likely to affect everyday life in West Yorkshire, including:

• Severe weather
• Flooding
• Power outages
• Health pandemics
• Malicious attacks and cyber threats
• Public disorder

Each risk is assessed for both its likelihood and potential impact, with the register explaining what LRF partners are doing to prepare and how residents can do the same.

Simple Steps for Greater Resilience

The CRR encourages everyone to take small but meaningful actions to strengthen their household and community resilience, such as:

• Signing up for Met Office weather alerts or the Environment Agency’s flood warning service.
• Knowing your workplace or school contingency plans in case of closures.
• Keeping emergency items (torch, power bank, warm blanket, etc.) in case of power cuts.
• Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats.

Dave Walton added: “It’s important to emphasise the Community Risk Register is not a warning of imminent danger.

“This is about being proactive, not fearful. Emergencies are rare, but having a plan in place can help reduce disturbance and keep people safe if something does happen.

“We know emergencies can be disruptive and unsettling, but with the right information and a few simple steps, everyone can be better prepared.”

Responding to Community Feedback

The new CRR was developed in response to findings from a community resilience survey conducted earlier this year by West Yorkshire Prepared.

The survey revealed that 57% of respondents felt a lack of information was a key barrier to being ready for emergencies.

Its publication also follows the launch of the UK Government’s national ‘Prepare’ website, which aims to help residents across the country build resilience to incidents such as flooding, severe weather, and power outages.

Find Out More

Residents are encouraged to take simple steps now to strengthen their preparedness by:

• Reading the new Community Risk Register on the West Yorkshire Prepared website: www.westyorkshireprepared.org.uk/know-your-risks
• Visiting the UK Government’s ‘Prepare’ website: www.gov.uk/prepare

By taking action today, communities across West Yorkshire can be better equipped to face tomorrow’s challenges.