“Don’t use them”: UK fire chiefs call for cancellation of sky lantern festivals due to safety concerns

Fire safety watchdogs urge halt to sky lantern events in London and Birmingham

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is actively urging the cancellation of upcoming sky lantern festivals in London and Birmingham, scheduled for May and June, citing severe fire safety risks.

These events, expected to see hundreds of lanterns released followed by fireworks, have been a longstanding concern for the NFCC due to the uncontrolled risk posed by the naked flames used in sky lanterns.

International bans and local safety incidents

Countries such as Australia and Germany have already implemented national bans on sky lanterns.

The NFCC highlights past incidents, including a major fire at a West Midlands recycling plant in 2013, which was ignited by a sky lantern and required extensive emergency response.

These incidents underline the dangers associated with such lanterns despite claims of enhanced safety measures by event organisers.

Responses from organisers and ongoing safety advice

Event organisers argue that their “custom lanterns are designed with the utmost safety in mind”.

However, the NFCC maintains that no sky lantern is safe for use.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the NFCC, said: “Sky lanterns have been proven to start wildfires and property fires, kill or injure livestock, as well as polluting our natural environment.

“NFCC does not believe any such lanterns should be used under any circumstances. Our advice is simple – don’t use them.”

Media scrutiny and legal confusion

Further complicating matters, there are media reports suggesting the lantern events might be a scam, with trading standards investigating the claims—a contention disputed by the Lantern Festival UK.

Additionally, the event’s website incorrectly warns that purchasing lanterns outside the venue could lead to prosecution, a statement that has been refuted as fire services do not have such prosecutorial powers.

IFSJ Comment

The persistent advocacy by the NFCC against the use of sky lanterns reflects a broader commitment to public safety and environmental protection.

Despite reassurances from event organisers regarding safety improvements, the inherent risks associated with these lanterns, coupled with historical precedents of harm, support the council’s stance.

NFCC launches new Middle Leadership Programme to enhance UK fire service leadership

Launch of the NFCC Middle Leadership Programme

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) announced the introduction of the Middle Leadership Programme (MLP) on Monday, 8 April, aiming to support and standardise leadership development across the UK fire and rescue services.

The programme is designed to cater to new, existing, and aspiring middle leaders, providing a comprehensive suite of resources to support their progression and ensure consistent leadership skills across the sector.

Programme aims and structure

The MLP seeks to bridge the gap between supervisory and middle leadership roles, offering a progression path that builds on existing knowledge and skills.

It emphasises the importance of standardising leadership development practices and includes resources to support leaders irrespective of their role, contract type, and location.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Matt Cook highlighted the significance of the MLP, noting its role in complementing existing leadership programmes and addressing the evolving needs of the fire service community.

Collaboration and feedback

The development of the MLP involved contributions from fire and rescue services across the UK, reflecting the programme’s commitment to meeting the sector’s needs.

Tanya Aitken from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) expressed pride in collaborating with the NFCC, emphasising the programme’s role in enhancing management skills and leadership qualities essential for career progression.

IFSJ Comment

By focusing on middle leadership, the NFCC addresses a critical transition point in the career paths of fire service personnel, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and support needed for their roles.

The collaborative effort in developing the MLP, with input from across the sector and partnership with the Chartered Management Institute, underscores a collective commitment to improving leadership capabilities.

This initiative not only promises to enhance the operational effectiveness of fire services but also supports the sector’s adaptability and resilience in meeting community needs.

As the fire and rescue service continues to evolve, programmes like the MLP play a crucial role in preparing leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern emergency response and community safety.

NFCC unveils national road traffic collision risk assessment tool for fire services

Launch of the road traffic collision risk methodology

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has announced the release of the Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Risk Methodology.

This tool is part of a series designed to support UK fire and rescue services (FRSs) in their community risk management planning (CRMP).

It aims to provide a uniform approach to evaluating the risk, likelihood, and consequences of RTCs across the UK, thereby aiding FRSs in assessing their readiness, prevention, and response strategies.

Dan Quin, NFCC’s Executive Lead for Road Safety and Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, stated: “This methodology highlights the importance of fire and rescue service involvement with road safety, and the necessity of a coordinated approach with our road safety partners.

“We set out to understand the national picture of risk identification and assessment, and created a standardised, data-led tool and evidence-based methodology.

“This will support decision-making on how to mitigate road safety risk locally and support national comparison and collaboration activities across England, Scotland, and Wales.”

Impact on UK fire and rescue services

The RTC Risk Methodology is the latest in a series of evidence-based risk assessment tools provided by the NFCC to support community risk management planning across UK FRSs.

The introduction of this methodology aligns with findings from an independent review in 2018, which identified varied approaches to community risk management among UK FRSs.

The first State of Fire report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) further echoed this, recommending standardisation.

These tools by the NFCC aim to help services consistently identify, assess, and mitigate community risks and offer a framework for developing CRMPs.

Broader implications and next steps

In addition to the RTC Risk Methodology, the NFCC has launched the Evaluation of Fire Interventions document as part of its guidance series.

This document aims to enhance the UK FRS’s capabilities in conducting robust evaluations across Prevention, Protection, and Response domains.

Through collaboration with the Fire Standards Board, the NFCC has also produced a fire standard for community risk management and delivered several pieces of guidance and tools now in use by UK FRSs.

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s release of the Road Traffic Collision Risk Methodology is a notable step towards standardising risk assessment and management within the UK’s fire and rescue services.

By offering a unified framework for evaluating the risks associated with road traffic collisions, this methodology enhances the ability of FRSs to prepare and respond effectively.

As the UK continues to face diverse and evolving community risks, the role of such standardised tools in ensuring a coordinated and data-driven approach to risk management cannot be overstated.

National Fire Chiefs Council marks progress in Leadership Development Programme

New Phase in Direct Entry Scheme for Fire and Rescue Leaders

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) Direct Entry scheme, an initiative designed to inject new leadership into fire and rescue services, has reached its first significant milestone.

This development marks the culmination of six weeks of rigorous operational training for six ‘Direct Entrants’.

The pass-out ceremony, held on 16th February at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh, celebrated this achievement, which is part of a comprehensive three-year course encompassing operational, leadership, and strategic training.

For the past two decades, leaders have been entering the fire and rescue sector through direct entry.

However, in the previous year, the NFCC launched the first nationally accredited programme to bring consistency and assurance to this route in the sector.

The pilot includes participation from five fire and rescue services: East Sussex FRS, Staffordshire FRS, Oxfordshire FRS, Avon FRS, and Leicestershire FRS.

Intensive Training and Future Steps

The Direct Entry Station Managers began their training before Christmas, undergoing a six-week intensive programme at the Fire Service College.

Their training included mastering various crucial skills such as operating pumps and ladders, using breathing apparatus, managing hazardous materials, delivering fire response emergency care, and more.

Following their pass-out, these managers will return to their respective services to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios.

At this stage of their development, they will focus on building operational competence without taking on operational decision-making roles.

NFCC views direct entry as a valuable tool to address the complex challenges faced by the sector.

This scheme aims to provide diversity in thought, skills, and experience, complementing traditional progression routes and expanding the talent pool for recruitment in fire and rescue services.

Leaders’ Perspectives on the Programme

Project Executive, Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker, commented on the programme’s demands: “I know from having entered service through direct entry myself, that it requires you to be physically and mentally tough.

“This first phase of the training programme has given Direct Entry Station Managers their first proper taste of that challenge, and they’ve risen to it.”

Similarly, Project Executive, Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber addressed common misconceptions about the scheme: “There are a lot of myths around Direct Entry, one of them being that we’re parachuting people into station manager roles – that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“We’re only at the very start of what is an intensive and tough three-year programme.

“These six weeks at the Fire Service College have set the pace for what’s to come and there’s a way to go yet.”

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s Direct Entry scheme represents a forward-thinking approach in enhancing leadership within the fire and rescue services.

This programme, balancing intensive training with gradual immersion in operational roles, illustrates a commitment to nurturing well-rounded leaders equipped for the diverse challenges of modern fire and rescue operations.

By complementing traditional career paths with this innovative scheme, the NFCC not only diversifies its leadership but also enriches the sector with fresh perspectives and skill sets.

This initiative could serve as a model for other sectors seeking to evolve their leadership training and recruitment strategies.

NFCC outlines safety considerations for new high-rise residential buildings

New safety measures proposed for high-rise residential buildings

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued an opinion paper, highlighting crucial considerations for fire and rescue services in the design of new high-rise residential buildings.

This move follows the Government’s announcement in July 2023, mandating that all new residential buildings over 18 metres must include at least two staircases to ensure safer evacuation routes and firefighting operations.

Staircase independence and safe egress a priority

The NFCC’s paper stresses the importance of designing stairways that are independent of each other, ensuring that a single fire does not jeopardise multiple escape routes.

It emphasises the necessity of providing safe egress for all occupants, including those who may find it challenging to use stairs.

The Council also calls for designs to incorporate sufficient resilience and redundancy, particularly in access facilities for firefighters.

Gavin Tomlinson, Chair of the NFCC’s Protection Committee, reflected on the objectives of these recommendations: “We want to be sure these buildings are safe places to live and NFCC is committed to supporting fire and rescue services as they take on these new checks.

“We are expecting Government to issue new guidance shortly, but we have a clear view of what we think are the key priorities for fire and rescue colleagues when reviewing the design of new high-rise buildings.

“What we’re proposing is common sense, such as making sure that stairways are independent from one another so that a fire does not impact on multiple exit routes, making sure there are safe routes of escape for people with additional needs, and ensuring firefighters have the appropriate access and facilities.

“This is what we are advocating for in our discussions with partners in government.”

Transition period and consultation with fire services

The Government’s proposals will be formally integrated into statutory guidance following a 30-month transition period.

During this time, developers will have the option to adhere to either the new or existing guidelines.

The NFCC’s publication aims to offer clarity and uniformity in firefighting considerations for the design of escape routes in these buildings.

It also acknowledges that fire and rescue services are increasingly being consulted by building designers on how to implement multiple escape pathways effectively.

Download the NFCC Opinion Paper here.

IFSJ Comment

The National Fire Chiefs Council’s initiative to outline key safety considerations for the design of new high-rise residential buildings marks a proactive approach to enhancing fire safety standards.

By advocating for independent stairways, inclusive escape routes, and adequate facilities for firefighters, the NFCC underscores the importance of a comprehensive safety strategy that protects all building occupants.

This initiative, aligned with forthcoming government guidance, represents a significant step towards preventing tragedies similar to past incidents.

As the construction industry adapts to these new requirements, the emphasis on collaboration between fire services, government, and developers is essential for creating safer living environments in high-rise buildings across the country.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service leads UK in addressing mental health in the community

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to mental health

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), with the endorsement of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), has become the first UK fire and rescue service to sign the refreshed Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health.

This public pledge signifies their commitment and detailed action plan to combat preventable poor mental health in their community.

The Prevention Concordat, overseen by the Office for Health and Improvement Disparities (OHID), is a national agreement.

Signatories acknowledge that factors like unemployment, debt, and drug misuse can escalate the risk of poor mental health.

The NFCC, which achieved Concordat status in 2019 through its Mental Health Board, collaborated with OHID to create a framework aiding other fire and rescue services in achieving this status.

Key elements of the Concordat pledge

The Concordat requires its signatories to:

  • Collaborate across sectors with various partners to minimise preventable poor mental health risks.
  • Employ evidence-based strategies to allocate resources effectively.
  • Exchange successful practices for wider implementation and regularly monitor and report progress to improve community wellbeing.

Statements from NFCC and LFRS representatives

Mark Thomas, NFCC’s Mental Health Lead, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am delighted to see NFCC and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service confirm their ongoing commitment to collaborating with partners to promote good mental health through a prevention-focused approach.

“Members of our communities suffering from poor mental health are often at greater risk of coming to harm and therefore require prevention related assistance.

“Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, and future Services signing up to principles of the Concordat, are sending a clear message that effective prevention can only be secured through a collaborative approach ensuring wherever possible, ‘every contact counts.”

Dan Moss, Area Manager for Prevention and Protection at LFRS, commented on the significance of this initiative: “This concordat offers a unique opportunity to fully integrate our work as a Service with those partner organisations who also act to ensure the safety and security of those with mental health problems.

£We take our responsibilities under the concordat very seriously, and we’re proud to be the first fire and rescue service to achieve this status.”

He further added: “Mental Health is just as important as physical health and we as a fire and rescue service, have a role to play in our community to support this and work to reduce health inequalities.”

Prevention Concordat Assessment Panel’s review

In reviewing LFRS’s application, which detailed their cross-sector prevention and people-centred actions, the Prevention Concordat Assessment Panel acknowledged the following:

  • LFRS’s active role in the Lincolnshire ICS mental health workstream.
  • The comprehensive approach towards vulnerable groups such as those with dementia and older adults.
  • Internal mental health support for fire and rescue staff being an exemplary practice.
  • Extensive partnership work across local government and the NHS, shaping LFRS’s practices and priorities in mental health.
  • LFRS’s submission being a welcome addition to the Concordat, introducing evidence-based initiatives to improve public mental health and inform future practices across England.
  • The broader impact of mental health issues

It is noted that one in six adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in their lifetime, influenced by various environmental factors.

Thus, many mental health issues can be prevented.

Signatories of the Prevention Concordat for Mental Health are committed to addressing these determinants to work towards a more equitable society.

IFSJ Comment

The commitment of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) to the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health marks a significant step in acknowledging and addressing mental health issues within the community.

This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the broader role fire and rescue services play in public health and wellbeing.

By becoming the first UK fire and rescue service to sign this concordat, LFRS sets a precedent for other services, demonstrating the importance of a comprehensive approach to mental health.

NFCC urges changes in product safety laws

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has recently called for significant enhancements to product safety legislation.

This move comes as a response to two new government consultations aimed at modernizing these laws, specifically focusing on the regulatory framework for product safety and fire safety regarding domestic upholstered furniture.

These consultations are a part of efforts led by the Department for Business and Trade.

Government consultations underpin NFCC’s push for reform

The NFCC’s recent push for improvements in product safety laws is underpinned by its participation in two new government consultations.

These consultations, organized by the Department for Business and Trade, are centred on modernizing legislation related to product and fire safety, with a particular focus on domestic upholstered furniture.

This initiative represents a proactive effort by the NFCC to influence the shaping of more effective safety regulations in this domain.

Product safety laws: NFCC’s role in advocating for safer products

The NFCC plays a crucial role in advocating for safer products, especially in the realm of fire safety.

Their active participation in government consultations and their call for enhanced legislation highlight their commitment to improving safety standards.

This involves a detailed examination of current regulatory frameworks and proposing necessary reforms to ensure higher safety standards, particularly in household products like upholstered furniture that pose significant fire risks.

IFSJ Comment

The National Fire Chiefs Council‘s call for improvements in product safety laws marks a significant step towards enhancing fire safety standards in domestic environments.

The focus on upholstered furniture, in particular, highlights a critical area where fire risks can be significantly mitigated through better regulations.

This initiative by the NFCC underscores the ongoing efforts to make homes and communities safer from fire hazards.

It also reflects a broader commitment to public safety, showing the integral role of such councils in shaping policies that have a direct impact on the wellbeing of citizens.

The proactive approach of the NFCC in participating in government consultations exemplifies how collaborative efforts between various stakeholders can lead to meaningful reforms.

As we move forward, the outcomes of these consultations and the subsequent changes in legislation will be crucial in determining how effectively we can reduce fire risks in homes across the nation.

UK government launches Fire Kills campaign urging smoke alarm awareness

The Home Office has initiated the latest phase of the “Fire Kills” national advertising campaign.

This effort is aimed at emphasising the critical importance of smoke alarms in households across England.

By reminding citizens to install smoke alarms on every level of their homes and to conduct monthly tests, the campaign supports national fire safety measures.

Fire Kills campaign advocates for fire safety behaviour

In collaboration with local fire and rescue services and the NFCC, the “Fire Kills” campaign seeks to modify fire safety behaviours.

Through various advertising mediums, the campaign highlights everyday mishaps that could potentially lead to serious fires.

Notably, a new TV advertisement is circulating on video on demand platforms such as All4 and ITVX, depicting the potential for minor accidents to turn into significant blazes.

The impactful visuals of the advertisement are also compressed into shorter versions for social media platforms and are reinforced by a corresponding radio advert broadcast across traditional and digital audio channels.

Online resources to bolster fire safety education

The “Fire Kills” campaign transcends mere advertisement, featuring a comprehensive online platform for home fire safety.

A newly launched fire safety check tool on the Fire Kills campaign page, co-created by the NFCC, Fire Kills, and Safelincs, offers personalised fire safety recommendations.

By answering straightforward questions, individuals can obtain advice suited to their unique living situations.

The campaign commenced at the end of October and is scheduled to roll out in two-week sprints during November and December. It will continue with one-week activations throughout January to March.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, conveyed his support: “We are committed and delighted to continue working closely with the Fire Kills campaign. It’s an important part of the work of NFCC and Fire and Rescue Services to reduce injuries and fatalities from fire.”

He further added, “By providing the simple advice to install and test smoke alarms regularly, we can help protect the most vulnerable and their families from the devastating impact of fire in the home.”

As the campaign advances, the crucial message remains straightforward: Ensure the presence of a smoke alarm on each floor and commit to monthly testing to safeguard homes against fire hazards.

IFSJ Comment

The recent “Fire Kills” campaign is a reflection of ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety in the UK.

With statistical evidence linking working smoke alarms to significantly reduced fatalities and injuries in home fires, the dissemination of this message could not be more timely.

The NFCC’s backing highlights the campaign’s synergy with broader fire prevention strategies and emergency preparedness.

The launch of the online safety check tool is a testament to the evolving approach to fire safety education, utilising digital innovation to personalise and disseminate life-saving information.

NFCC’s direct entry scheme sees successful appointment of Station Managers

In a recent update, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) reported that six individuals have successfully been appointed as Station Managers following their Direct Entry Recruitment campaign in April 2023.

A pioneering approach in the fire sector

While the concept of direct entry isn’t novel in the fire sector, this initiative by the NFCC stands out as the first national, quality-assured programme for direct entry.

This scheme offers an alternative path for individuals to take on the role of Station Manager, complementing the traditional firefighter route.

By diversifying entry routes, the NFCC aims to foster a more varied leadership within fire and rescue services.

Direct entry scheme attracts diverse talent

The direct entry recruitment managed to draw in experienced leaders from a myriad of industries.

These include education, leisure, military, retail, finance, and the NHS.

These leaders, with their unique styles and ways of thinking, are seen as assets that can introduce fresh perspectives to the fire service.

The recruitment drive, in association with Reed Specialist Recruitment, saw a whopping 842 applications.

These applications, interestingly, showed diversity statistics surpassing the national average, both in terms of ethnicity and disability.

The breakdown of gender statistics highlighted 77.76% male and 20.24% female applicants, with the remaining identifying as non-binary or preferring not to disclose.

Successful candidates underwent a Career Progression Gateway Assessment by VCA Ltd, following which they were interviewed by their chosen fire service.

Those who cleared these stages underwent medical, fitness, and DBS Checks.

New recruits set to embark on their journey

Mark Hardingham, the NFCC Chair, will formally welcome all the successful entrants on 15 November 2023, at Fire Service College.

The NFCC Chair, Mark Hardingham, commented: “The best fire and rescue service is one that has a diversity of people and talent.

“Alongside the existing routes through which firefighters will continue to progress to senior roles, the national direct entry recruitment and appointments provide an additional and quality-assured route through which great people can join our fire and rescue services, bringing a diversity of leadership and approach in many different forms”.

Direct entry scheme participants will benefit from a comprehensive training programme, a collaborative effort between NFCC, the Fire Service College, and the new Station Managers.

Project Executive, CFO Dawn Whittaker stated: “A lot of people have worked hard in the development of the programme and through the recruitment process and it’s exciting to now start meeting the successful candidates for the services involved.

“I look forward to meeting everyone next month at the scheme induction day at Fire Service College.”

Echoing these sentiments, Project Executive, CFO Rob Barber added: “Direct entry will provide a well-structured and defined development programme for people joining the sector at Station Manager level.

“It will bring in people with skills and experience from other sectors, which is really positive and will provide different perspectives on matters that will support sector development”.

This project aligns with the NFCC Cultural Action Plan, a dedicated effort to nurture leadership, instill equality, diversity, and inclusion, and ensure the well-being of fire and rescue service staff.

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s direct entry scheme only offers alternative routes into the sector but also paves the way for a diversified leadership.

Drawing from a plethora of industries, the scheme is poised to bring in innovative solutions and perspectives that could potentially revolutionise the fire service in the UK.

With a successful recruitment drive and a comprehensive training programme in place, the future of fire and rescue services looks promising.

NFCC to launch a unified website in October 2023

NFCC’s digital presence evolves for clarity and member accessibility

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has announced a significant update to its online presence, set to debut next month.

The forthcoming change will see the unification of two existing NFCC websites to improve clarity and increase usability.

The full details can be found on the current NFCC website.

Driving towards a ‘digital first’ approach

In 2021, NFCC initiated its Digital Transformation Project.

Its aim was clear: to align NFCC’s online positioning with a vision of being a primary digital provider for products, tools, and services to fire and rescue departments.

Part of this project involved reviewing their current online stance and determining areas of enhancement.

The forthcoming change will see the UKFRS and NationalFireChiefs websites combined under a singular domain: nfcc.org.uk.

This new site is intended to serve as the public face of the NFCC.

Not only will it offer information on their work, governance, and structure, but it will also be the primary hub for latest news, public reports, and updates related to NFCC activities.

Ensuring ease of access for members has been a pivotal focus.

Resources tailored for members will be readily accessible, safeguarding details that aren’t suited for public display.

Additionally, the new website will feature a dedicated members’ section, categorised by membership tiers, allowing for relevant content accessibility according to roles.

Launch details and member access

Set to go live in October, NFCC urges members and interested parties to monitor their communication channels, including emails and social media, for more specific launch details.

Once active, users will need to create a new account, with guidance set to be provided closer to the launch.

The NFCC released a series of FAQs shedding light on the rationale and logistics of the new site.

The primary goal is to enhance user experience, with a focus on clearer navigation and improved content management.

By merging UKFRS and NationalFireChiefs, content presentation and membership engagement are expected to see improvements.

Existing NFCC member resources will remain searchable, while the National Operational Guidance Strategic Gap Analysis tool’s reintroduction will be delayed for further refinements.

The website transition in October has been planned to minimise disruptions, with outages being brief if they occur.

User access will be meticulously managed, and security remains a top priority, ensuring links to UKFRS resources will be redirected to the new site.

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s move to streamline its online presence reflects a broader shift in the fire and safety sector towards digital optimisation.

By consolidating its resources under one unified website, the NFCC is positioning itself as a primary hub for information, news, and updates pertinent to fire and rescue services in the UK.

This shift is particularly notable for professionals and stakeholders within the sector, as the new website promises to offer an enhanced user experience, clearer navigation, and a dedicated members’ area.

Such initiatives reinforce the NFCC’s commitment to staying abreast of digital trends, ensuring that members and the public alike have swift, seamless access to crucial information.

About the NFCC

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a professional body that brings together the UK’s fire and rescue services. T

heir vision is to provide leadership and support, ensuring the delivery of high-quality fire and rescue services to the communities they serve.

Through collaboration, innovation, and influencing policy, NFCC strives to drive excellence in fire safety, prevention, protection, and response.