Create an emergency plan for your home

Emergencies occur every day in one form or another. We hear about them on the radio or see them unfolding on the television. We may try and imagine what we would do if it happened to us or in our local community.

Minor emergencies, such as losing the house or car keys can be overcome by having a spare set available. In a similar way there are other simple measures that can be taken to prepare for more serious or prolonged emergencies.

If people are injured or in danger, contact the emergency services by dialling 999 and follow their advice.

The following details do not replace the need to get emergency help but aim to help you become more prepared.

To be prepared it may be useful to consider keeping a supply of the following:

• torch and spare batteries
• blankets/sleeping bag
• camping stove
• bottled water
• candles/hurricane lamp
• long-life food
• details of prescription medication
• first aid kit
• battery powered radio and spare batteries
• tin opener
• matches

If you have very young children or pets, a stock of food for them and anything else you can think of that you might need. It would also be useful to make a list of important contact numbers, such as:

• your local police station
• your local authority
• your doctor
• home insurance
• utilities
• your school

You may be asked to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies. If you don’t know where they are and how to turn them off, it would be helpful to find out.

In an emergency situation you may need to move quickly, so it’s important to have a few necessities to hand.

Ideally, prepare a small easy-to-carry bag with essentials and store it in an accessible place ready to go. At the very least, have an up-to-date check list for things to put into your emergency “grab bag” and know where they are.

View our list of items that we recommend putting into a grab bag.