Major emergencies are rare and most people will go through life without ever having been directly involved.  However, many of you will have been faced with what could be termed as minor incidents such as short term disruptions to utility supplies – water, electricity, gas or telephones.  Whatever the cause of an emergency which could disrupt your normal activities, it’s worthwhile taking a few minutes to consider what actions you and your family could take to reduce the potential effects.

If you are caught up in a major emergency, the actions you should take are:-

• Call 999 if there are injuries or a threat to life
• Dont put yourself or others at danger
• Always follow the advice of the emergency services
  

The general advice if you are close to a major emergency or you believe you might be in danger is "GO IN, STAY IN, TUNE IN"

GO IN - In most instances the best course of action during a major emergency is to go indoors.  If you are away from home or your place of work, take the nearest available shelter.

STAY IN - Unless told otherwise by the emergency services, you should not leave the premises in which you have taken shelter.

TUNE IN - Tune in to local radio or television.

Evacuation

In certain circumstances it might be necessary for you to evacuate your home and you will need to consider what things you will need to take with you and what you should do before leaving your home. 

What to take with you

• Any medication you might need
• Glasses or contact lenses and hearing aid.
  
• Keys for your home, your car or your place of work
• Valuables
• Credit and debit cards and cash
• Passport and other important documents
• Change of clothing and footwear
• Sanitary supplies (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste etc)
• Any necessary items for babies, children, disabled or elderly persons
• Mobile phone programmed with essential numbers, together with a charger
• Portable radio and batteries
• Any items necessary for your pets

The need to evacuate your home could arise with little or no warning.  It is recommended that you make arrangements in advance with friends or relatives that they will provide alternative accommodation for you for the duration of the evacuation.

What to do before you leave

If time permits, there are a number of actions you should take before leaving your home.

• Ensure that all appliances are turned off 
• Turn off all mains supplies to your property (switching off the electricity supply could affect the operation of any intruder alarm)
• Securely lock all doors and windows
• In winter, drain the water system to avoid problems of freezing pipes
• Advise friends and relatives where you are going
• If possible, arrange for friends or family to care for your pets

Any other information relating to specific incidents will be published on this site.