How prepared are you?

The government sent a booklet "Preparing for Emergencies - What you need to know" to every home in the UK, in August 2004. The booklet contains practical advice on the steps you can take to help yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. The Preparing for Emergencies website accompanies the booklet and provides online advice covering various aspects of emergencies.  Some of this information is summarised below or further details can be found on the preparing for emergencies website. 

Things you can do to prepare for an emergency

• Make a list of important contact details i.e. family, friends, neighbours, GP, veterinary surgery, public utility companies etc.
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies.
• Know how to tune your radio to local stations.
• Know how your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency.
• Make up an emergency pack
• Know the emergency procedures for your children at school.

If you are at home when an emergency happens, get together the following:

• The list of your important contact details
• Home and car keys
• Cash and credit cards
• Mobile phone
• Battery radio - with spare batteries
• Torch - with spare batteries, candles and matches
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries and any reularly prescribed medication

It is useful to have bottled water, ready to eat food and a bottle/ tin opener in the event you arerequired to remain in your home for several days.

In a very limited number of situations the emergency services may ask you to leave your home, if this happens and you have time you should:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows.
• Take with you the above listed items

When returning home open all windows to ensure fresh air before reconnecting gas and electricity.