Civil protection

Photo: DSB.

Everyone has responsibility for preventing crises and hazardous incidents and for dealing with such situations if they do materialise. Measures to prevent the occurrence of such situations must be considered in all areas from municipal land-use planning to HSE work at individual workplaces.

The County Governor’s role is primarily that of intermediary between central and local government, although the County Governor also has an independent role in the areas of civil protection and emergency preparedness. This includes providing advice, running courses, carrying out inspections and organising exercises.

In a crisis situation, the primary providers of services and information to the general public will be the police and the relevant government agency. In most cases, municipal authorities in the affected areas will also provide services and information. The County Governor is not an emergency service, but in certain circumstances may undertake a coordinating role. This would probably be through either the County Emergency Council or the Regional Nuclear Disaster Committee.

Relevant links:

  • Regulation no. 388 of 18 April 2008 : Responsibility of the County Governors and the Governor of Svalbard for civil protection and emergency preparedness.
  • Royal resolution of 12 December 1997: Establishment of guidelines for regional coordinating responsibilities in the event of crises and disasters during times of peace
  • Royal resolution of 17 February 2006: Preparedness for nuclear disasters – central and regional organisation
  • Act no. 45 of 25 June 2010 – the Civil Protection Act
  • Regulation no. 894 of 22 August 2011 : Regulation on municipal duties in respect of emergency preparedness
  • The Planning and Building Act

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