What to do and how to prepare for an emergency
How to be better prepared
During emergencies, always follow the advice of the emergency services. There are, however, things you can do now to make you better prepared in case of an emergency.
Five minutes preparing now, could save you a lot of time in an emergency:
- Know the biggest risks to you and your area - by reading this you are already well on your way to understanding the risks to Warwickshire. Learn more about the main risks we face and prepare for here.
- Prepare a grab bag that includes medicines, key phone numbers and insurance documents.
- Know how to turn off the utilities in your home –in an emergency you may need to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies. If you know how to do this in advance, it will be much easier and much less stressful in an emergency.
- How could you assist older and vulnerable people who live near you? In an emergency, they may need your help.
- Plan how to protect your pets and animals, so you know exactly what to do to help them.
- Make a call... sign up for the Environment Agency Flood Warning service: 0345 988 1188 - www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
- Learn some basic first aid -First aid - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or First aid by British Red Cross in the App Store (apple.com) or Google Play.
Creating an emergency kit
Three ways to Prepare
Consider creating a basic ‘grab-bag’ for yourself/family with the following items:
- Food and water to last three days (and a tin opener)
- Portable radio and torch (batteries/wind-up)
- First aid kit
- Medications/glasses
- Whistle
- Wet-wipes, rubbish bags, plastic ties
- Wrench/pliers (to switch off utilities)
Consider expanding your ‘grab-bag’ with the following items:
- Infant formula milk and disposable nappies/sacks
- Childcare supplies e.g. toys, clothes and a blanket
- Important family documents such as passports
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved top, trousers and sturdy shoes
- Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- A couple of small games or books
- Spare mobile phone charger
- Paper and a couple of pens
- Pet care items
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)
- Consider additional bedding/clothing during winter
- Water purification tablets
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Consider creating a basic ‘grab-bag’ for pets with the following items:
- Pet food and treats
- Can opener for canned food
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers so you can move your pets safely and they can’t escape
- The name of your veterinarian (written)
- Drinkable water in plastic bottles
- Up-to-date photos of your pet in case they get lost
- Pet medications and medical records in a waterproof container
- Identification tag and collar
Consider creating a basic evacuation plan for yourself/family
Creating an Evacuation Plan
- Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighbourhood
- Become familiar with alternative routes and other means of getting out of your area
- Take your emergency kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated
- If you have a car, always keep the fuel tank half-full in case you need to evacuate
- If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to
- Lock the door behind you and take any pets with you
Three ways to prepare:
What to do:
If you are not directly involved in the incident, it’s best to move inside a safe building and stay put until advised otherwise. Tune into local media (e.g.radio or TV) for the latest information. Try to remember: Go in, Stay in, Tune in.
Make sure someone has called 999 if there is a threat to life, follow emergency services’ advice and think calmly before acting to avoid danger. If you’re at home when an emergency is declared:
- Bring your family and pets inside
- Go into an interior room with few windows
- Tune in to local media (such as radio or TV) for the latest information
- Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves
- Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves
- Lock doors, close windows and air vents
- Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems
- Teach family members how to turn off utilities (but do not attempt to switch them on yourself)
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