Step 1
Prepare now but don’t panic.
You would be unlucky to be caught up in a major emergency but just in case, fill in the Household Emergency Plan now at pages 14-17!
IcE – In case of Emergency
Enter the word ICE in your mobile contact list and then the phone number of your emergency contact (next of kin or friend).
Your ICE contact should agree to this and know any important information about you such as medications, allergies, etc.
If you don’t have a mobile phone – write this information on a card in your wallet or purse.
Step 2 – get your Emergency Pack together
In some cases you may have to leave your home quickly, so it is important to have your basic necessities to hand.
In some cases the emergency services may not be able to reach you straight away and you may have to support yourself and your family for some time.
An emergency pack, with essential items, stored in a safe but easily accessible place, will help you whether you are stuck at home, or evacuated for your own safety.
Suggested Items for Emergency Pack
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Waterproff backpack
Wind up torch (possibly with radio and mobile phone charger integrated) |
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| Foil blankets |
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| Whistle |
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| Water purification tablets |
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Hand sanitizer
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Battery / wind up mobile phone charger if not included in torch
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| Rubber gloves - 1 pair per person |
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| Box of waterproof matches |
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| Waterproof candles |
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| Disposable camera (for insurance purposes) |
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| Waterproof documents wallet for insurance documents and other important files |
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| Permanent marker pen |
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| Bivi bags (temporary sleeping bags) - one per person |
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| First aid kit |
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| Toiletry bag, including: |
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- Toothbrushes - 1 per person
- Toothpaste
- Soap
- Flannel
- Comb
Tissues
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| Warm clothes for each family member |
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| Non-perishable / long life food |
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| Water |
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| Mobile phone |
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Prescribed medical supplies, anti-diarrhoea, etc,
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| Important documents including phone numbers for council, insurance company and Floodline (0845 988 1188) |
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| Batteries (lithium batteries have longer life than alkaline batteries) |
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| Manual can opener |
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| Bin bags |
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| Toilet rolls and disposable nappies, if necessary |
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For more information on how to prepare your Emergency Pack please watch this video prepared by the Civil Contingencies Unit.
As well as being prepared, keeping yourself informed of what is happening will help you during an emergency.
Step 3 – keep informed
Go In, Stay In, Tune In
As well as being prepared, keeping yourself informed of what is happening will help you during an emergency.
If there is an emergency, there is an agreement with BBC TV and radio companies to interrupt regular broadcasting to keep you informed of developments and give you advice.
Follow these steps in the case of an emergency
- Go in - to a safe building and close all windows and doors (unless there is a fire, or the emergency services advise you not to)
- Stay in - remain calm and stay in until you are advised to do otherwise.
- Tune in - to local radio or TV stations for further information or instructions. A list of local radio stations are over the page.
Children
In an emergency you will naturally want to collect your children from school, nurseries, etc. Sometimes it is not safe to do so but don't worry. All schools have plans to cope with local emergencies.
Contact your local school or education establishment for more information on their arrangements in an emergency.