Social Disruption
What is the risk of social disruption to Herefordshire, Shropshire or Worcestershire?
Social disruption can be anything, from public disorder to industrial action (or strikes) with temporary closures and reduced services to critical public services.
Public disorder includes rioting, looting, vandalism, violence and arson.
West Mercia Police plans and prepares for outbreaks of public disorder however unlikely. It has specially trained officers who are able to deploy quickly to support other parts of the country if disorder breaks out.
They work very closely with other UK police forces to ensure that each area and the country as a whole are as well prepared as they can possibly be.
How could social disruption
affect you and your property?
Consequences of public disorder may include:
- Physical/ psychological casualties
- Disruption to critical services, particularly policing and health
- Damage to property and infrastructure
- Possible economic damage
Industrial action can lead to:
- Disruption of essential services, particularly transport, finance, health and education
- Disruption to business via loss of working hours
- Possible public disorder
- Economic damage (particularly for transport section industrial action)
We can all be better prepared to
respond and recover from social disruption
Follow these practical steps so you and your family can be better prepared for social disruption.
Stay informed
Monitor local news, travel updates and official advice from emergency services and local authorities. Follow trusted sources for the latest information.
Plan ahead & stay safe
Consider alternative travel routes, working arrangements and childcare plans.
Avoid areas affected by public disorder, follow instructions from emergency services, and only travel if it is safe to do so. In an emergency call 999.
Go in. Stay in. Tune in.
Move away from any area affected by disorder or disruption and seek a safe location.
Remain indoors where possible until the situation improves or authorities advise otherwise.
Keep up to date through local news, official social media channels and advice from emergency services and local authorities.
How to prepare
your business
To respond to social disruption
- Follow advice issued by emergency services, local authorities and other trusted organisations.
- Avoid areas affected by public disorder and do not put yourself at risk.
- Check travel services before you leave home and allow extra time for journeys.
- Make alternative arrangements for work, school, childcare or appointments if services are disrupted.
- Keep mobile phones charged and ensure you have important contact numbers available.
- Look out for vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours who may need support.
- Do not share rumours or unverified information on social media.
- If you witness criminal activity, report it to the police. In an emergency, call 999.
- Stay informed through local news, official websites and social media channels.
- Follow any instructions relating to road closures, restricted access or temporary evacuations
Find your emergency contacts for social disruption
How to recover from social disruption
Continue to follow official updates and guidance as services return to normal.
Contact your employer, school, healthcare provider or service provider about any ongoing disruption.
Report any damage to your property to your insurer, and where appropriate, the police.
Seek support if you have been affected emotionally and financially by the incident.
Check on neighbours, friends and family who may need assistance during recovery.
Review any lessons learnt and update your household emergency plan if necessary.
What can you do to support your community?
What is being done to become
better prepared?
We work together to:
- Plan and prepare for potential social disruption.
- Multi-agency groups regularly assess risks and review plans to ensure they remain effective.
- Police forces maintain specially trained public order officers who can be deployed quickly when needed.
- Organisations carry out exercises and training to test their response to incidents and identify areas for improvement.
- LRF partners work closely with businesses, transport providers, schools, healthcare services and community groups to strengthen preparedness.
Who is responsible for managing
a loss of gas, water or power in our counties?
The Neighbourhood Matters messaging system enables residents, businesses and community groups to keep in touch with local policing teams.
Sign up here:
We have a number of Watch Schemes across the three counties that can help you protect your home, your business and your local community. You can find out more about them, which are active in your area and how to register here:
Further resources
Some of our partners
