This section provides advice and practical information to help keep you and your family safe in the event of possible emergency situations.
Emergency evacuation
Sometimes emergency services need to evacuate people from their homes because of a serious incident or a threat of such an incident. This doesn't happen often but it is important to consider what you need to do if you were faced with such a situation. Examples for evacuation:
- Power Failure
- Extreme Weather
- Terrorism
- Fire
- Flood
- Hazardous materials
Evacuations may be carried out before, during or after disasters. Dependent on the incident you may be able to return to your home after a few hours, or you may be away for a longer period. People are only evacuated from their homes when they are at serious risk, and are not going to be put in more danger by leaving their homes.
Preparing yourself for an emergency
During a widespread major incident, for example prolonged severe weather you may not be able to get out for a few day. Power, gas and water facilities may be lost, or you may have to evacuate at short notice.
You should take time to find out the following information to reduce your risk and cope with the effects if emergencies do occur.
- Where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home
- The emergency procedures for your children at school
- The emergency procedures at your workplace
- How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency
- If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help
- How to tune in to your local radio station
What to take with you?
It is recommended that all households are suitably prepared for the different types of hazards that we could face and in doing so should have an 'Emergency Pack' at hand at home, in the car and at work. Try to keep enough of the following in your house to last all of you at least two days at all times.
Preparing an emergency pack
- Lighting (torch/candles) and spare source of power (batteries etc).
- Cooking equipment (including tin-opener, utensils and cutlery).
- Drink (cans of juice, bottled water etc).
- Long life food and milk – Items that you can readily consume such as ready to eat meats, canned fruits, crackers, cereal bars or biscuits. Check use by date and replace when necessary.)
- Portable radio and spare batteries.
- First Aid Kit – Include items such as assorted bandages, cleansing agents, pain relief tablets. Remember prescription medication.
- Contact list (Make a list of important contact details, such as family, friends, neighbours, GP, veterinary surgery, public utility companies etc.)
- Warm / Dry clothing and blankets.
- Personal hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, feminine supplies
- Medication (including a list of all medication and the dosage, also remember baby items).
- Entertainment items such as board games or books.
It is also important to keep with you the following documentation and items:
- Keys, cash and credit cards
- Copies of your passport and driving license (for ID purposes)
- Copies of your home insurance documents (including contact numbers and policy details)
- Details of your medical history.
For more information and guides please look at the following websites links:
