Don't be scared, be well prepared!

This is an A5 self help leaflet that has been produced in October 2009 by the Warning and Informing sub-group to enable households to plan for and cope with an emergency situation. Copies of this booklet are being distributed through various sources such as libraries and reception areas by the different local authorities within the LRF. You might also find the Emergency Household Plan a useful tool in planning how you and your family should react in the event of an emergency.

Emergencies can and do happen. In recent times we have seen people stranded in the snow, severe flooding affecting residents and business and power outages.

These pages will offer advice and information for a variety of specific risks that we may face.

What You Can Do

Flooding

Heatwave

Terrorism

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

If you are involved in any emergency it is important to:

• Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life

• Not put yourself or others in danger

• Follow the advice of the emergency services

• Try to remain calm and think before acting and try to reassure others

Check for injuries - remember to attend to yourself before attempting to help others

If you are not involved in an accident but are close by or believe you may be in danger, in most cases the advice is: GO IN, STAY IN, TUNE IN

To prepare for an emergency, you should take time to find out:

Where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home

• The emergency procedures for your children at school

• The emergency procedures at your workplace

• How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency

• If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help

• How to tune in to your local radio station

If you are at home and an emergency happens, try to gather together:

• A list of useful phone numbers, such as your doctor's and close relatives'

• Home and car keys

• Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication

• A battery radio, with spare batteries

• A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches

• A First Aid kit

• Your mobile phone

• Cash and credit cards

• Spare clothes and blankets

Also, it is always useful to have:

Bottled water, ready-to-eat food (e.g. tinned food) and a bottle/tin opener, in case you have to remain in your home for several days.

In certain very unlikely situations, you may be asked to leave your home by the emergency services.

If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible. And, if you have time:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows

• See the items listed above for what to take with you

• If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets, and tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions

When you are told that it is safe to return home, open windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies