Emergency Basics

Preparations you can make at home, work and in community groups

• Water: Store at least four litres of water per person per day for several days.
• Food: Store a several-day supply of non-perishable food, which requires neither a fridge nor freezer.
• Utility Supplies: Know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity supplies.
• Insurance: Ensure you have appropriate insurance for your property and contents. Take photographs of your valuables.
• Sentimental and Valuable Items: If you have more than one floor, keep these items upstairs.
• Hard Copies of Documents: Keep hard copy backups of important documents like passports, address books, insurance certificates and so on.
• Emergency and Evacuation Procedures: Know these procedures and rehearse them, especially with the young and vulnerable.
• Alternate Routes and Travel: Plan alternate ways to get home from school and work.
• Agree a Rendezvous Point: Agree an RV point with other family members in case of emergency where your home has become inaccessible.
• Teach Children: As soon as they are able, teach your children how to say their full name and address, teach them how to use phones, get them to learn important phone numbers and how and when to call 999.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure it contains bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other necessary items.
• Flashlight: A battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight is essential.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: For staying informed during an emergency.
• Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses: If needed.
• Essential Medications: Have sufficient supplies so that you always have a least 3 days’ supply as a minimum.
• Spare batteries for radio and torch
• Spare phone charger
• Keep a handy list of emergency contact numbers

Emergency Kit – keep a grab bag at home or in your car, ready to take with you in an emergency

• Water: Try to take four litres of water per person per day for several days.
• Food: Include a several-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Warm and Waterproof Clothing: Take clothing as appropriate for the time of year and weather conditions.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure it contains bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other necessary items.
• Flashlight: A battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight is essential.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: For staying informed during an emergency.
• Important Documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance information, and other important papers.
• Cash and Credit Cards: In case ATMs are unavailable.
• Spare Glasses or Contact Lenses: If needed.
• Essential Medications: Pack any necessary prescriptions.
• Mobile phone and charger
• Baby and pet supplies if needed
• Whistle: For attracting attention.
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Spare batteries for radio and torch
• Spare phone charger
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
• Ready-to-eat food, a warm drink in a flask and bottled water
• A list of emergency contact numbers

Responding to an emergency

• Call 999: For ambulance or other emergency services. 
• DRSABCD: Follow these steps for first aid:
  • D:anger: Ensure the scene is safe. 
  • R:esponse: Check if the person is responsive. 
  • S:end for help: Call 999 or other emergency services. 
  • A:irway: Ensure the person’s airway is clear. 
  • B:reathing: Check if the person is breathing and provide rescue breathing if necessary. 
  • C:PR: If the person is not breathing and has no pulse, perform CPR. 
  • D:efibrillator: If available, use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). 
• First Aid:
  • Treat obvious injuries: Clean and bandage wounds. 
  • Lie the person down: If their injuries allow, raise and support their legs. 
  • Keep them warm: Use a coat or blanket. 
  • Do not give them anything to eat or drink: Unless advised by medical professionals. 
  • Comfort and Reassurance: Provide reassurance and monitor the person’s condition. 
• Stay Informed: Tune into radio or television for emergency updates. 
• If the danger is outside: Get in, stay in and tune in
• If the danger is inside: Get out and stay out