How you can prepare

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency kit and developing a family emergency plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will affect the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them

In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by the Local Resilience Forum. We must be prepared for man-made disasters as well as natural ones. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

• What to do when an emergency happens
• At Home
• Learn how and when to turn off utilities
• Create an evacuation plan
• Communities / Neighbourhoods
• Get ready - get a kit

Anchor Point:EmergencyHappensWhat to do when an emergency happens:-

In a major emergency, if you are not involved in the incident, but are close by or believe you may be in danger, the best advice is to go inside a safe building (turn off any air-conditioning or ventilation equipment), stay inside until you are advised to do otherwise, and tune in to local radio or TV for information.

• Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life
• Do not put yourself or others in danger
• Follow the advice of the emergency services
• Try to remain calm and think before acting, and try to reassure others

REMEMBER: Go In, Stay In, Tune In.

Anchor Point:AtHomeAt Home

• Bring your family and pets inside
• Lock doors, close windows and air vents
• Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems
• Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible
• Emergency responders may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

Anchor Point:UtilitiesLearn how and when to turn off utilities:

• Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves
• Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves
• Teach family members how to turn off utilities
• If you turn the gas off, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself. Phone Corgi on 0870 401 2300 and for the Electrical Contractors Association 020 7313 4800.

Anchor Point:EvacPlanCreate an evacuation plan:

• Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighbourhood
• If you have a car, keep a half tank of fuel in it at all times in case you need to evacuate
• Become familiar with alternative routes and other means of getting out of your area
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to
• Take your emergency kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated
• Lock the door behind you
• Take your pets with you.  (The RSPCA would be in attendance at any rest centres to help care for your animals)

Anchor Point:CommunitiesCommunities / Neighbourhoods

A community working together during an emergency makes sense.

• Talk to your neighbours about how you can work together during an emergency
• Find out if anyone has specialised equipment like a power generator, or expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis
• Decide who will check on any vulnerable neighbours
• Consider preparing a Community Emergency Plan

The Lincolnshire County Council Emergency Planning Team in conjunction with the Environment Agency has prepared a “Community Emergency and Flood Plan” template.  The template is at the bottom of this page as a download.

Anchor Point:KitGet ready - get a kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency kit:

• Water: 7 pints (4 litres) of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food: at least three days' supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries or wind-up radio
• Torch and extra batteries (or wind up type)
• First aid kit:
• Whistle to signal for help
• Wet wipes, rubbish/bin bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Tin opener for food (if kit contains tinned food).

Additional items to consider adding to an emergency kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and disposable nappies and nappy sacks
• Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, National Insurance numbers, NHS numbers and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash 
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; consider additional bedding during winter
• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved top, trousers and sturdy shoes; consider additional clothing during winter
• Water purification tablets
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

Anchor Point:PetsMake a kit for your pets

Your pet emergency kit should include:

• Pet food and treats
• Drinkable water in plastic bottles
• Can opener for canned food
• Pet medications and medical records in a waterproof container
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers so you can move your pets safely and they can't escape (remember they may be scared and may act differently from usual)
• Current photos of your pet in case they get lost
• The name of your veterinarian
• Pet beds and toys, if there is room.
• All your pets should have an identification tag and collar, too.

For more information on preparing for emergencies please follow this link.