Information technology

A Resources Database has been developed to provide resources in support of the emergency services that are not currently available within the council.

Three hundred and fifty firms have agreed to be part of this database and to be available to provide resources 24 hours a day.

Geographic Information System

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is used by Emergency Planning.

This computerised System displays information against a mapped background, eg Derbyshire County Council properties. Lists of streets can be extracted within any area which could be used to assist with evacuation.

This is particularly useful in responding to emergencies but is an important planning tool.

Radiation Monitoring System

Emergency Planning has a Radiation Monitoring System which involves five outstation monitoring sites around the county communicating information to a central computer at headquarters.

This system allows the monitoring of background radiation levels, meteorological information and other gases.

In such cases as Chernobyl this System will allow Emergency Planning and Trading Standards to monitor the radiation levels.

The system will also provide accurate local meteorological information allowing an accurate gas dispersion model to be plotted in the event of a chemical/gas leak.