There can be no doubt that we are living in challenging times. Terrorism, severe weather, industrial and transport accidents, civil unrest, flu pandemic, fire and building collapse are just some of the challenges we have already, or could potentially, face.Dealing with these challenges will always depend on how well the various agencies that are responsible for dealing with them can plan and respond together as partners.

It is the role of the Forum to ensure that together as partners, we are continually looking at the different risks we face; improving our planning arrangements and training and exercising our staff so that in the event of a real emergency we can respond effectively.Forums such as this have been formed across England and Wales as a result of the Government legislation (Civil Contingencies Act 2004). Ours was formed in March 2005 and covers the seven local authority areas which the West Midlands cover: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The partners involved in the Forum include the emergency services (police, fire and ambulance), local authorities, health and other government agencies as well as those that supply services such as water and power.

This website will assist the partners in their various roles. It will also serve as an important information tool to advise and update the people of the West Midlands Conurbation about how to prepare for and what to do in the event of local emergencies. I hope that you find it both useful and informative, and look forward to receiving your comments and views.

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hyde

West Midlands Police