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What to do in an emergency

What is likely to cause a major emergency?

What should I do?

  • if you are a witness, dial 999 and alert Police/Fire/Ambulance
    • ;

  • if you are stranded in your home, tune in to your local radio station and television for advice (listen out for emergency telephone numbers)
    • ;

  • pass on any warnings to neighbours, and check on the elderly and disabled, if it is safe to do so
    • .

Then: Go in, Stay in, Tune in

Please limit your telephone calls. This will help to prevent the lines getting clogged up with unnecessary calls, and allow the emergency services and others to use the lines if necessary.

If I am alerted by the police what can I expect?

You may be asked to stay indoors and close outside doors and windows.

If the police ask you to leave your home:

  • please follow their instructions; their prime responsibility is your safety and they will know more than you about the level of danger;

  • they will probably ask you to go to a rest centre - if you decide to go anywhere else, let them know so you can be accounted for;

  • if there is time, take warm clothing, special food for babies and any medicines you may need;
    • and

  • before you leave, switch off gas and electrical appliances, and extinguish coal burning fires.

General preparations

You may find it useful to keep the following items in an "emergency box" in your home in case of emergencies:

  • a torch and batteries*;

  • candles and matches (in a safe container);

  • a portable radio and batteries*;
    • and

  • something to drink (cans or bottled water, etc).

  • Notebook and pens/pencils;

  • Something to occupy the children!

* (Remember to check the batteries every now and then!)

Make sure medicines, toiletries ans spare contact lenses, etc. are easily avaiable to put in the box when necessary.

Relevant links:

Government advice is contained in a booklet that can be viewed online at http://www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk

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