Public resilience

Find out what you can do to prepare for a possible emergency.

• Get suitable insurance
• Create your own emergency plan
• Emergency contacts list
• Be prepared to leave
• Pets in an emergency
• Go in, stay in, tune in and stay informed
• Further advice

Get suitable insurance

Having insurance protects the home you live in and the things that you care about most, as well as protecting you from extreme financial loss.

There are a variety of different types of insurance, and ensuring you have a suitable level of cover is also important. The Association of British Insurers provides advice on both home insurance and flooding insurance.

Create your own emergency plan

Having a plan that outlines what your household would to do in an emergency will help to prepare you for the real thing. The plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should be specific to you and where you live.

Spend a few minutes with your family discussing what should go in your emergency plan, listing all the possible dangers that could potentially happen, and what action you should take.

Ask some 'what if?' questions, such as:

• Are there are specific risks near our home?
• Where will we go or who can we stay with if we are evacuated?
• Do we have any neighbours that might need our help?

Include other useful pieces of information, such as:

• How to turn off the gas, electric and water at the mains
• Identify the fastest escape routes in your home
• The location of your first aid kit
• Consider your unique needs
• Stay connected and establish a communication plan
• Identify shelter location
• Create an emergency preparedness kit

If your property is at risk of flooding, a specific emergency flood plan template can be downloaded where you can record key information you may need in a flood situation.

Make sure you regularly review and update your plan.

Emergency contacts list

If an emergency happens, certain groups of people will need contacting to aid your recovery.

Keep a list of the main contact and reference numbers of insurance companies, banks, vehicle registrations, as well as work, schools, close friends, and family. Do you have alternative arrangements for your pets? Include this information too.

It is a good idea to have a paper copy of this information, as well as a digital copy on an accessible USB stick. Consider giving a copy of the list to a relative or friend in case your list is destroyed or inaccessible at your home.

Make sure you keep this information up to date.

View an example of an emergency contact list.

Be prepared to leave

While an evacuation is considered last resort, they can happen. A gas leak, for example, might lead to the emergency services evacuating your street.

If the Emergency Services ask you to leave your home, leave as quickly and calmly as possible. We recommend that you go to family or friends to wait until it is safe to re-enter your home. If it is not possible, you will be directed to a rest centre set up by the Council.

Vulnerable residents (such as older people or those with medical conditions) will be assisted if they are unable to make alternative arrangements. Telephone our 24-hour Emergency Control on 020 8891 7999 if you need help evacuating.

It is worthwhile putting together a grab bag of essential items you might need in a hurry, as you may be out for a long time.

Some items you may want to include are:

• A copy of your emergency plan
• A copy of your emergency contacts list (including insurance documents and important files)
• Essential keys, including your house or car keys
• Cash, bank cards, and other small valuable items
• Mobile phone (with charger)
• Prescription medication and medical aids
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid kit
• Basic toiletries

You should identify two specific places away from your neighbourhood, such as the house of a friend or family member, as alternative meeting places. Make sure each member of your family knows where to go if advised to evacuate.

Keep enough food, bottled water, and prescribed medicine at home for at least three days.

Pets in an emergency

If evacuated, all rest centres in this area accept pets, but they must be kept in carriers or on a lead. You are responsible for their welfare and cleaning up after them. Contact people outside your area who could look after your pets if needed. Animal boarding may be required if evacuation is prolonged.

Never leave your pets at home unless absolutely necessary. If you do, bring them indoors and keep them in an upstairs room with food and water.

It is a legal requirement to microchip dogs, and it is also recommended for cats and rabbits. In an emergency, pets can become disoriented and lost. A microchip helps ensure you are reunited.

You can also get a pet alert sticker to notify responders that there are pets in your property.

Having your pet essentials ready will make evacuation quicker. You may want to include:

• A leash or carrier for each animal
• Any medication required
• Pet food
• Vaccination records
• Bedding or litter as needed
• A photo of your pet
• A collar with ID tag
• A travel carrier or crate

Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date, as boarding facilities may not accept them otherwise.

Go in, stay in, tune in and stay informed

Sometimes it is safer to stay indoors than evacuate. If advised to stay at home, close doors and windows and listen to the television or local radio.

Local radio stations may interrupt broadcasts to issue emergency warnings and provide updates during an incident.

Our useful links and information page lists details for local radio stations.

Further advice and ideas to consider

Further information:

• If you qualify, register on UKPN’s Priority Services Register
• Download the free emergency app from the British Red Cross for alerts and advice