Preparing for emergencies
What You Can Do
If you are involved in any emergency it is important to:
- Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life
- Not put yourself or others in danger
- Follow the advice of the emergency services
- Try to remain calm and think before acting and try to reassure others
- Check for injuries - remember to attend to yourself before attempting to help others
To prepare for an emergency, you should take time to find out:
- Where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home
- The emergency procedures for your children at school
- The emergency procedures at your workplace
- How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency
- If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help
- How to tune in to your local radio station
If you are at home and an emergency happens, try to gather together:
- A list of useful phone numbers,such as your doctor's and close relatives'
- Home and car keys
- Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication
- A battery radio with spare batteries
- A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
- A First Aid kit
- Your mobile phone
- Cash and credit cards
- Spare clothes and blankets
Also it is useful to have:
- Bottled water, ready-to-eat food (e.g. tinned food) and a bottle/tin opener, in case you have to remain in your home for several days
In certain very unlikely situations, you may be asked to leave your home by the emergency services. If this happens leave as quickly and calmly as possible. If you have time, remember to:
- Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows
- See the items listed above for what to take with you
- If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets, and tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions.
When you are told it is safe to return home, open all windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.
The Government has produced a website to assist you in preparing for emergencies. The website can be found at www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk and contains a booklet which provides practical, common sense advice on how to prepare for emergencies. The booklet is available in 17 languages.