STEP 2 - During an Emergency
What to do during an emergency:
Don't put yourself or others in danger. If you or someone else is in imminent danger of harm or to life call 999 and choose from Fire, Ambulance or Police.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
- Go in and bring your family and pets. Close doors and windows.
- Stay at home or somewhere safe, it is usually safest to stay in. Remember in the event of a fire: Get out, Stay out and call 999.
- Tune in to your local radio and/or TV and monitor social media. Local radio statio
Of course, there are always going to be particular occasions when you should not go in, for example if there is a fire or you are advised differently by the emergency services or your own common sense.
Local Radio Stations to tune into for advice: -
Preparing for evacuation
"Listen to advice given by the Emergency Services during any evacuation"
In certain situations, such as flooding, fires or gas leaks, you may be asked to evacuate your home or place of work by the emergency services either to a rest centre or to friends and family if you can.
These will be exceptional circumstances but will be for your own safety. This may be by door to door knocking or a loud hailer system. If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible for your own safety. If you are unable to evacuate, please let the emergency services know.
If you have less able neighbours please consider assisting them if it is safe to do so.
You may be given an evacuation card which will also give you specific advice about where you should go as a safe place and for more information. This designated place is called a Rest Centre. Pets can be taken to rest centres – you will be advised what to do with them on arrival.
What to do in an evacuation
- Only if you have time and it is safe to do so:
- Turn off/isolate electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows
- Take your grab bag (medication if you required, mobile phone and charger, ID or passport, and cash or your debit/credit card).
- If you leave by car, make sure you check road closures online or the radio.
- Take your pets (with suitable carriers, leads & food supplies)
- Tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions (social media).
- If the evacuation is overnight and you choose not to stay at the Rest Centre, please inform the emergency services of where you have gone and how you can be contacted by calling 101, or by telling Rest Centre staff so they do not think you missing. A carer can do this for you if required but it is important everyone is accounted for to avoid unnecessary searches.
