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

FLOODING ADVICE

If you have been affected by flooding, there is detailed advice and guidance from the Environment Agency by viewing their website.

Flooding can pose a serious hazard to lives and property. By taking simple precautions you can minimise the damage caused by flooding. The Environment Agency ‘Floodline’ service offers flood warnings for England and Wales. The Floodline service can be accessed day or night for real time flood warnings and advice on:

FLOODLINE 0845 988 1188

The Environment Agency also offers practical advice for coping with floods, and minimising the damage that flood water can cause. Such as

• Am I at risk of flooding

• Flood Preparation for Businesses

• Flooding a guide for Older People

• Flood warnings in force

• Prepare for flooding

• Online flood library

In addition to the measures below, a range of practical hints and tips relating to what to do before, during and after a flood are provided by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency’s three steps to take to prepare for flooding:

1. Visit the Environment Agency website or call our 24 hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to find  out if you are at risk of flooding

2. Find out if flood warnings are available in your area

3. Make sure you understand the flood warning codes so you know what to do when a flood warning is issued

If floods are imminent, people must:

• Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities - you may be evacuated

• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains. Find out where these are well in advance of any flood

• Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy

• Move sentimental items like photographs upstairs and think about storing them more safely in future in case you forget or don’t have time to move them during a flood

• Move as many possessions upstairs as you can

Environment Agency Floodline: 0845 988 1188

HEATWAVE ADVICE

The following advice is taken from the NHS Direct Website

Although severe heatwaves are uncommon in England, the experience across Northwest Europe in 2003, when 27,000 people died as a direct cause of the heatwave that year, is a reminder that heat can be fatal. In case of a heatwave, make sure you look after your own health and that of your family. It is not just children who need special attention; be aware that elderly people are also at risk, and make sure they are being checked on.

Keep out of the heat

• If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.

• If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).

• If you can't avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning.

• If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you’ll be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.

Stay cool

• Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible.

• Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.

• Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above.

• Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.

Drink regularly

• Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water and fruit juice are best.

• Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they can cause dehydration.

• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.

Seek advice

• Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct (0845 4647) if you’re worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, or have any unusual symptoms.

• Look after yourself and others, especially those at greater risk such as elderly people and children: symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin and a high temperature. If you, or someone you know experiences a sudden rise in temperature, confusion or loss of consciousness, heat stroke may have developed.

• If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if you get worse or the symptoms don't go away.

Further information and guidance is available in PDF below.

NHS Heatwave Self Help Guide

People worried about their health during the heatwave are advised to talk to their GP, pharmacist, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the NHS Direct Website

TERRORISM

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary together with the security services monitor the risk of terrorist activities and take action to control those risks.

Given the sensistivity of the information and potential for use by adversaries, further details regarding actions being taken to control the likelihood of this risk will not be made available on this website.

Information regarding terrorism can be found on the Home Office website.