Are you emergency ready?
5 steps to prepare for an emergency
| Step 1: Make a grab bag |
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Pack a bag in case you need to leave your property at short notice.
Keep it where it is easy to find.
Essentials to include
- torch (battery or wind up)
- emergency contacts (written on paper)
- medicine you might need
- important documents (like home insurance and copies of your ID)
- non-perishable food
- money and credit cards
- pet food
- mobile phone charger
- battery or wind up radio
- bottled water
Other items you might need
- clothing and blankets
- children’s toys and games
- toiletries
- spare car and house keys
- spare batteries
- first aid kit
| Step 2: Write a household emergency plan |
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A household emergency plan will help you prepare your household for emergencies. Make sure everyone knows about the plan and how to use it.
It should include:
- contact numbers
- details on isolating your gas, electricity and water
- sources of information and advice
Use the household emergency plan template to write your plan
| Step 3: Sign up for emergency alerts |
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- sign up for Met Office email alerts
- sign up for Environment Agency Flood Alerts and Warnings. You can choose to receive emails, texts or phone calls.
| Step 4: Check your flood risk |
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Check your property’s long-term flood risk
If your property is at risk of flooding, find ways to better prepare yourself, and your property.
| Step 5: Join the Priority Services Register if you are eligible |
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Utility companies keep a register of customers who may need additional support in a utility outage.
This called the Priority Services Register (PSR).
You may be eligible to join if, for example:
- you use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
- you are of state pension age
- have a disability
- have young children
- have additional communication, access or safety needs
If you are eligible:
- join your gas or electricity supplier’s PSR
- find your water provider and then search for the provider, followed by ‘Priority Services Register‘