Preparedness

Household Emergency Planning

Emergencies can happen with little warning and may affect essential services, transport, communications or access to your home. While most incidents are resolved quickly, having a simple household emergency plan can help you and your family respond safely and confidently.

Taking time to plan ahead can make a significant difference during an emergency. Knowing what risks may affect your area, how you would contact family members and what essential items you may need can help reduce disruption and improve your preparedness.

A household emergency plan does not need to be complicated. By thinking through a few key arrangements in advance, you can help ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do should an emergency occur.

What You Can Do

Understand the Risks in Your Area

Different areas can face different risks, including flooding, severe weather, wildfires, power outages or transport disruption.

Take time to understand the hazards that could affect your local area and keep up to date with information from trusted sources.

Know How to Leave Your Home Safely

Think about how you would leave your property if an emergency meant you needed to evacuate quickly. Identify:

A primary escape route.
An alternative route if the first is unavailable.
Safe exits from your home.

Remember, in the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.

Agree Meeting Places

If household members become separated, knowing where to meet can save valuable time. Consider:

A meeting place close to home.
An alternative meeting place outside your local area.
A friend or relative who can act as a point of contact.

Make sure everyone in the household knows these arrangements.

Keep Important Information Accessible. Keep a written record of important information, including:

Emergency contact numbers.
Medical information.
Details of prescribed medication.
Insurance information.
Utility provider contact details.

Having this information available can be particularly useful during power cuts or communication outages.

Sign Up for Alerts and Warnings

Official alerts can provide early warning of developing incidents. Consider:

Enabling UK Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone.
Signing up for flood warnings where appropriate.
Monitoring weather warnings during severe conditions.

Keep an Emergency Supply Kit

A small emergency kit can help you manage during short-term disruption. Useful items may include:

A torch.
Spare batteries.
A power bank.
First aid supplies.
Bottled water
Non-perishable food.
Essential hygiene items.

Check supplies regularly and replace items as needed.

Plan for Medical Needs

If anyone in your household relies on medication or medical equipment, consider how you would manage during a prolonged disruption. Keep:

Essential medication available where possible.
An up-to-date list of medicines.
Information about any medical equipment requirements.

Prepare a Grab Bag

Having essential items ready to take with you can help if you need to leave home quickly. You may wish to include:

Essential medication.
Identification.
Important documents.
House and vehicle keys.
A mobile phone and charger.
Drinking water.
Suitable clothing.
Items needed for babies or pets.

Make Your Home Safer

Knowing how to safely turn off gas, electricity and water supplies can be important during some emergencies. You should also:

Test smoke alarms regularly.
Keep escape routes clear.
Check that your home and contents insurance remains up to date.

Consider Vulnerable Family Members

Think about the needs of:

Children.
Older residents.
Disabled people.
Carers.
People with medical needs.
Pets.

Consider what support, transport or accommodation may be required if an emergency affects your household.

Support Your Community

Good community networks help improve resilience during emergencies.

Consider exchanging contact details with trusted neighbours and discussing how you could support one another during periods of disruption.
Always follow emergency service advice and do not put yourself at risk while helping others.
Review Your Plan Regularly.

An emergency plan is most effective if everyone understands it. Take time to:

Discuss the plan with household members.
Ensure children know how and when to call 999.
Review contact details and arrangements regularly.
Update the plan if circumstances change.

Preparing for emergencies does not need to be difficult or expensive. Taking a few simple steps now can help you, your family and your community respond more effectively when unexpected situations arise.

Further Information

For additional advice, visit the UK's emergency preparedness website: