Preparedness
Major Emergencies and Serious Incidents
Major Emergencies and Serious Incidents
Major emergencies can happen with little warning and may include severe weather, significant fires, industrial incidents, transport accidents, terrorism or other situations that pose a risk to public safety.
During an emergency, the actions you take can help keep you, your family and your community safe. Understanding how to respond, where to find trusted information and how to prepare in advance can make a significant difference.
Emergency services, local authorities and other responding organisations work together to manage incidents and protect the public. Following official advice and avoiding unnecessary risks helps emergency responders do their job effectively.
What You Can Do
If someone is in immediate danger or a serious incident is taking place, call 999 immediately. When calling:
- Give your location as accurately as possible.
- Explain what has happened.
- Follow the instructions provided by the call handler.
Move Away from Danger
If it is safe to do so, leave the area and move away from the incident.
Avoid:
- Approaching the scene.
- Stopping to watch events unfold.
- Blocking access routes used by emergency vehicles.
- Take only essential belongings and follow any directions provided by emergency responders.
Follow Official Advice
During an emergency, you may be advised to:
- Evacuate an area.
- Remain indoors.
- Avoid certain locations.
- Use specific travel routes.
Always follow advice issued by the police, fire and rescue service, ambulance service, local authorities and other responding agencies.
Respond to Emergency Alerts
The UK Emergency Alerts system may be used during serious incidents. If you receive an Emergency Alert on your mobile phone, read the message carefully and follow the instructions provided.
If you are driving, find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the alert.
Stay Informed
Rely on information from official sources, including:
- GOV.UK
- Local authority websites and social media channels
- Emergency services
- Trusted broadcasters and news providers
- Avoid sharing rumours or unverified information, as this can cause confusion during an emergency.
Be Prepared to Shelter Indoors
Some incidents may require people to remain indoors for their own safety.
If advised to stay inside:
- Close doors and windows.
- Follow any instructions regarding ventilation systems.
- Remain indoors until official advice changes.
Be Prepared to Evacuate
Having a few essential items easily accessible can help if you need to leave your home quickly.
Consider keeping:
- Essential medication
- House and vehicle keys
- Mobile phone and charger
- Identification documents
- Drinking water
- Suitable clothing
- Important contact details
If asked to evacuate, do so promptly and calmly.
Have a Family Emergency Plan
It is helpful to discuss in advance how household members would contact one another if communications were disrupted.
Consider:
- Agreeing a meeting place.
- Keeping important phone numbers written down.
- Making sure everyone knows who to contact in an emergency.
Consider Vulnerable Family Members
Think about the needs of anyone who may require additional support, including:
- Children
- Older relatives
- Disabled people
- Those with medical conditions
- Pets
- Planning ahead can make it easier to respond quickly and safely if an emergency occurs
Support Your Community
Communities are often strongest when people look out for one another.
During an emergency, check on neighbours, friends and relatives where it is safe to do so, particularly those who may need additional support.
Help Emergency Responders. To assist emergency services:
- Stay away from cordoned-off areas.
- Do not touch suspicious items.
- Avoid flying drones near emergency incidents.
- Refrain from sharing images or information that may interfere with response operations.
In the Event of a Weapons Attack
National counter-terrorism advice, states: Run, Hide, Tell.
- Run to a place of safety if it is safe to do so.
- Hide if you cannot escape and take steps to remain out of sight.
- Tell the police what you know by calling 999 when it is safe.
Advice for Businesses and Event Organisers
Businesses and organisations should regularly review and test their emergency arrangements.This may include preparing plans for:
- Evacuation and lockdown procedures
- Emergency communications
- First aid provision
- Staff accountability
- Accessibility and support for vulnerable people
- Continuity of critical services