HomeAdvice in an emergency
The Home Office has issued practical advice about sensible steps which can be taken to cope with an emergency. If a major incident does occur our advice is to:
- go home or go inside some other safe location
- stay indoors
- tune in to local radio or television news
- visit the UK Resilience website for advice and information.
- 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 help yourself before attempting to help others
Things you might need in an emergency
If you are at home and an emergency happens here are some things you might need. You might find it useful to print this page and keep it somewhere handy at home:- a list of useful phone numbers, such as your GP and family members
- home and car keys
- toiletries, sanitary supplies and any prescription medicines
- a battery radio, and spare batteries
- a torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
- a first aid kit
- a mobile phone
- cash and credit cards
- spare clothes and blankets.
Other useful items:
- bottled water
- ready to eat food, for example, tinned food
- and a bottle or tin opener, in case you have to remain in your home for several days.
Other advice
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:
- turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug electrical appliances and lock all doors and windows
- check 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.
