What to do in an emergency

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What is likely to cause a major emergency?

• natural disasters such as storms and flooding
• major transport accidents
• environmental pollution such as toxic gas or a radioactive cloud
• acts of terrorism

Find out more about these incidents from the link on the right.

What should I do?

• if you are a witness dial 999 and alert either the Police, the Fire and Rescue Service or the Ambulance service
• if you are stranded in your home, tune in to your local radio station and television for advice. Listen out for emergency telephone numbers.
• pass on any warnings to neighbours and check on the elderly and disabled if it is safe to do so.

Then:
Go in, Stay in, Tune in (see related content for more details)

Please limit your telephone calls. This will help to prevent the lines getting clogged up with unnecessary calls and allow the emergency services and others to use the lines.

If I am alerted by the police what can I expect?
You may be asked to stay indoors and close outside doors and windows. If the police ask you to leave your home:

• follow their instructions. Their prime responsibility is your safety and they will know more than you about the level of danger.
• they will probably ask you to go to a local authority Rest Centre. If you decide to go anywhere else, let them know so you can be accounted for.
• take warm clothing if there is time. Take special food for babies and any medicines you need as well.
• before you leave, switch off gas and electrical appliances and put out coal burning fires.

General preparations
You may find it useful to keep the following items in an 'emergency box' in your home:

• a torch and batteries*
• candles and matches in a safe container
• a portable radio and batteries*
• something to drink, for instance, cans or bottled water
• notebook, pens and pencils
• something to occupy the children!

* remember to check the batteries every now and then!

Make sure that items such as medicines, toiletries and spare contact lenses are easily available to put in the box when necessary.

A booklet providing government advice can be found by following this link.