penny mordauntGloucester Fire & Rescue Service and Operation Florian are preparing to host a symposium bringing together esteemed experts to examine and debate recent national and international extreme weather events; and how emergency services, planners, healthcare professionals and local authorities can build best practice responses for each possible outcome.

As evidenced by major flooding earlier this year, incidents caused by extreme weather challenge and test operational processes, requiring significant resources during and after the event. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and emergency responders must plan ahead to better deal with these emergencies - which is why the charity have set up this event.

The two day conference on 9-10 September 2014 will be held at Gloucestershire’s pioneering interactive safety education centre.

Fire Minister MP Penny Mordaunt (pictured) and Glos CFO Stuart Edgar will open the conference where delegates will enjoy a variety of real life case study talks and presentations covering a full spectrum of extreme weather situations.

Speakers include Graeme Leitch - Head of Government Operations, Met Office; DFO Roy Acree of City of Smyrna, Georgia presents ‘The Georgia Development’; ACFO Robert Scott of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Michael Bruce of the Forestry and Timber Association examine the consequences of wildfires in Scotland; Professor Andy Newton discusses the NHS and community response to hot and cold weather and ACFO Steve Owen-Hughes will present on the recent floods in Surrey.

Further reading: London adapts to changing nature of 'extreme weather'

This unique event will bring together notably experienced experts to share their experiences and provide valuable knowledge on the lessons learnt from their involvement in these extreme situations.

The cost to attend the event is £175.00 per person including evening dinner - to book your place call 07973 875505 or email Opflorian@aol.com