Before an Emergency

Advice to help you prepare

  • know the risks in your area, click on the following link for risks in your area
  • make a list of emergency contacts you may need, for example school and work contact details, insurance, dentist, and keep them where you know you would find them easily
  • consider creating a Home Emergency Plan.
  • if you find yourself in a flood zone consider your flood protection
  • know the location of your water, gas and electricity supplies to your home and find out how to turn them off
  • ensure you have insurance and know where the documents are located. You may also want to prepare by photocopying the documentation and keeping them safe in an alternative location outside of your home
  • ensure you have ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts stored in your mobile phone 
  • consider attending a first aid course so you are prepared for medical emergencies
  • consider putting together a grab bag to keep at home and in the car, for example contacts, important documents, mobile phone charger

Your Grab Bag should contain:

  • copy of your House Emergency Plan
  • copy of important documents in a waterproof bag (insurance, passport, birth certificate, copies of family photos, etc)
  • torch (wind-up or battery) and spare batteries
  • radio (wind-up or battery) and spare batteries
  • first aid kit
  • medication / health supplies and copies of prescription slips
  • toiletries and feminine hygiene supplies
  • childcare supplies (nappies, food, toys, clothes, blanket, etc)
  • extra set of house and car keys
  • mobile phone & charger
  • wallet, purse, bank cards
  • notebook and pencil
  • black bag / bin liner
  • pet carrier, collar, lead and food
  • bottled water
  • snack bars
  • spare glasses