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You are here: Home > Community and living > Safer Borough > Emergency Planning > Being Prepared in an Emergency

Being Prepared for an Emergency

This page describes simple steps that can be taken to prepare yourself for an emergency situation

Emergency situations are rare however if they do happen there are a few simple steps that can be taken to minimise the effects:

• Listen to the instructions given to you by the emergency services or on the TV or radio
• Make sure your home is adequately insured and everything is covered
• Make sure your property is in good order
• Check you know how to turn off your utilities e.g. Gas, electricity and water supplies
• It may also be useful to keep some items in a safe place that could be helpful in an emergency situation including:    

A torch (and spare batteries), candles, cooking equipment (including a tin opener, utensils and cutlery), drinks (cans of juice bottled water), long life food (e.g. tinned food), portable radio and spare batteries, blankets, dry clothing and medication (including baby items)

What to do in an Emergency

The first thing to do if you discover or experience an emergency situation is dial 999 – don’t assume someone else has done it. 

If you are at home or somewhere safe, stay in and turn on your TV and/or radio for advice and information:

• Local Radio stations
• National Radio stations

Listen out for emergency phone numbers that may be released. 

Pass on warnings to those that may have missed them and check on the elderly and infirm. 

Try not to use your home or mobile telephone to find out what’s going on. 

Remember those responding to the incident will need to use the networks to coordinate the response. 

Too many calls may overload the system, which may mean that neither you, not the emergency services will be able to use it.

How to deal with Severe Weather

Snow

Here are a few simple tips for coping with severe snowfall:

• Only travel if it is absolutely necessary 
• If you must travel, make sure that you are fully prepared for all events and conditions take extra clothing and a mobile phone in case you get stuck 
• Obtain a weather forecast and if possible determine the road conditions for the journey you are going to take. 
• Carry a shovel in the boot of your car and let someone know your destination and estimated arrival time.     

Severe Storms

Before:

• Check the TV or radio for the latest information 
• Make sure all pets are inside 
• Secure any loose items in the garden 
• Make sure your house is in good order 
• Park your car away from trees and high walls 
• Close windows and shut curtains to protect against flying glass     

During:

• Stay away from windows and on the ground floor
• Check the TV or radio for the latest information     

After:

• Check for damage
• Contact insurers and inform them of any damage     

What to do in the event of an evacuation

In the event of an emergency for your own safety you may be asked to go to a nearby Assembly Point from where you could be taken to a Rest Centre run by the Local Authority.

Things to remember / you need to do in the event of evacuation:

• Do as the Police say don’t argue
• Gather together your family and if necessary pets
• Take toiletries and warm clothing for you and your family
• Take a 24 hour supply of any medicine, special or baby foods for you, your family and pets
• Ensure that fires are put out and cookers, TV’s, radios, water, and lights are turned off
• Take your cheque book, credit card, social security documents, and any small and portable valuables
• Secure your home
• Don’t forget to take your keys with you     

If I decide to stay with friends or relatives for the duration what should I do?

• Tell your neighbour, the Police or a Local Authority Officer where you have gone, who is with you and how you can be contacted. This will save someone hunting for you if they think that you are missing     

What if I am elderly, disabled, sick or have special needs?

• A Local Authority Officer will make special arrangements for you.