Civil Protection and Emergency Management in Iceland

• The tasks of the Icelandic Civil Protection System are:  Organizing and implementing measures to protect the well being and safety of the public and prevent them from harm, the protection of property and the environment from disasters, caused by natural or manmade hazards, pandemics, military action or other types of disasters; This includes prevention, preparedness and reductions of hazards and recovery.
• to render relief and assistance due to any losses that have occurred, assist people during emergencies, unless the responsibility for his assistance rests with other authorities or organisations.
  

Structure of Civil Protection

Civil Protection in Iceland falls under the Ministry of Justice. Civil Protection responsibilities at the national level are delegated to the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police (NCIP). The NCIP runs a Civil Protection Section which is responsible for daily administration of Civil Protection matters, maintains a national co-ordination/command centre which can be activated at any time and to be in charge of the centre in emergency situations. The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police is also responsible for monitoring and supporting research and studies related to risk factors and natural catastrophes, and co-ordination and support measures aimed at reducing risks of bodily harm.

The day-to-day functions of the Civil Protection Section of the NCIP include risk analysis, mitigation and co-ordination (i.e. planning, training and equipment). The role of the NCIP during emergency operations is to procure and deliver all outside assistance (national or international) for a stricken area, which is deemed necessary by the local Chief of Police.

The Minister of Justice appoints a Civil Protection Council, which advises the cabinet of ministers as well as the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police on issues of Civil Protection and has a consultative role in the implementation of the legislation on Civil Protection.