Grangemouth - Better Alert System NeededFalkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie says that a better system is needed to alert local residents and keep them informed about incidents such as last week's chemical leak. Cathy, who lives in Grangemouth, said that she shared the concerns expressed by many of her fellow residents: "I have raised these issues with the minister responsible for emergency planning, Cathy Jamieson MSP, and with those who have local responsibility. I consider that if the situation warranted the advice to keep doors and windows closed, then it also warranted action to ensure that everyone was aware of that advice. "Although the siren has rarely, if ever, sounded a real alert, I understand the concerns that inappropriate use of the siren would tend to undermine the credibility of the warning. I also understand the reluctance to take measures that could create panic. "Perhaps, as I suggested at the meetings I had last week, we need an intermediate state of alert that draws attention to a potential problem, without being seen as an overreaction by the authorities or risking overreaction amongst the public. There is no perfect method, but relying on people watching or listening to particular TV or radio stations is clearly inadequate. Perhaps this could be backed up with a system of email and text alerts, to which people could easily subscribe via email, web site registration, or simply by sending a text message to a well publicised number. Alerts could include a request that everyone who gets the message makes sure that their neighbours are aware of the situation. This would create a quicker and more flexible way of letting people know what is happening, what the dangers are, and what they should be doing about it." |
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