Before an Emergency

There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency.

Why prepare for an emergency?

During an emergency you could become separated from family and friends, you may be injured, you may be asked to evacuate your property, gas and electricity supplies may be disrupted, your phone may fail and your property could be damaged.

Preparing for an emergency now by thinking about how you might react to these situations, will help you to stay calm during an emergency and may also save your life.

How to prepare for an emergency?

Talk to your family and neighbours about the things that you can do in the event of an emergency. It is best to write down what you agree but even having discussed it can make a huge difference to how you will cope.

Find out where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home.

Find out the emergency procedures for your children at school.

Don't forget to plan for pets. Download a Pets Plan Advice Sheet (pdf 91 KB).

Find out the emergency procedures at your workplace.

Decide how your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency.

Find out if any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help.

Make a list of important contacts, family, friends, schools, your doctor, the vet, utility suppliers, your children’s school, your work, your bank and your insurance company.

Make copies of important documents such as birth certificates, vehicle and insurance details.

Arrange for a friend or relative to be your out of area point of contact in case your family is split up by the emergency.

Check that your home and contents insurance policies are valid.

Make up an emergency pack for your home, see below for suggestions on what to include.

Find out how to tune in to your local radio stations (even if you don’t normally listen to them) for public safety messages:
• BBC Essex on 103.5FM and 95.3FM
• Dream 100 on 100.2FM
• Chelmsford Radio on 107.7FM
• Heart Radio on 96.3FM and 102.6FM

Prepare an emergency grab bag

Prepare an emergency grab bag of items that you might need during an emergency. Keep it in a safe and convenient place. You may wish to include the following:

A battery powered or wind up radio

A torch with spare batteries or a wind up torch

A first aid kit

Bottled water

Canned foods (and tin opener), long lasting snack foods, energy bars etc

A list of useful phone numbers

A spare mobile phone and charger

Spare home and car keys

Blankets

Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, passports and insurance details (including contact details)

Antiseptic wipes or antibacterial hand gel

Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication / glasses