Planning for disasters

Although in Great Britain the risk of large scale natural disasters is less than in some other countries, there is an increasing risk of the type of catastrophe bred by the complexities of modern industry and by political unrest. The author makes no apology for quoting the Belfast experience at some length.While individual rescue services show a high level of efficiency there appears to be a need to improve the overall co-ordination of the community's response to disaster. Techniques of communication are often inadequate. The importance of rehearsal requires to be stressed.There may be a case for establishing a national committee to review the country's readiness and to give direction and advice.