Volunteers may find it particularly useful to read Home Office guidance on exercises . It explains what to expect from the organisers in terms of their legal duties and your safety. Not all volunteers can read. Some have four legs and very sensitive noses. This document explains why.
Disasters also provoke a great deal of interest from the public.
Hundreds of journalists arrive to relay news from the scene. The Government is currently working with the media and the emergency services to enhance their working relationship. Together they are drawing up a protocol of good practice based on the Ladbroke Grove rail crash and other recent major incidents.