A household emergency plan is a way to prepare your home and family for emergencies.

It should include a kit of essential supplies, an evacuation plan, and a way to communicate with your family. Preparing in advance and working together as a team can help families cope better with emergencies. We have created some steps below to help you be prepared for emergency situations.

Have a plan

Make a plan with all members of your household and review it annually.

Checklist

Getting prepared

Find out what local risks may affect you (e.g. flooding). Register for alerts and fit protective measures, if available.

  • Know where they are located and how to switch off the following: Electricity cut off switch, Water stop tap and Gas emergency control valve
  • Ensure you have valid building and contents insurance
  • Allow access for smoke and carbon monoxide detector tests
  • Prepare escape routes from your house and teach these to all householders
  • Microchip your pet(s) and consider their needs in an emergency
  • Ask Parish/ Town Council if your community has an emergency plan
Call for more information

Checklist

Have an emergency grab bag

Know where your ‘grab bag’ essentials are, this will save you time in an emergency.

  • Wind up/ battery radio, with spare batteries
  • Torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Medication, repeat prescriptions, tissues, toiletries, sanitary supplies
  • Food and equipment for those with special requirements e.g. babies, pets
  • Spare warm clothing, sleeping bags or blankets, books and games
  • Your mobile phone, spare battery and charger
  • Extra car and house keys
  • Cash, wallet, credit cards, key cards
  • Copies of important documents – birth certificates, passports, licences, insurance policies (store originals in a fire and waterproof container)
Call 0300 303 8540

Stay Informed

In major emergency situations, it may be necessary to issue warnings and advice to the public.

These would normally be broadcast via local radio or TV channels. You can also sign up in advance to receive relevant information.

  • Tune in to local radio or TV

  • Check relevant social media accounts

  • Register with your utility companies if you may require extra assistance.

    Each maintains its own Priority Services Register.

Responding to an incident

Ensure you are not in danger. If people are injured or there is a threat to life, dial 999 and follow instructions.

  • Go in a safe building

  • Stay in until you are advised to do otherwise

  • Tune in to local radio/ TV for more information

  • If the danger is inside, get out, stay out and call emergency services

  • If required and safe to do so, turn off utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)

  • Install protection measures e.g. flood doors

  • If evacuating, collect grab bag

  • Check on family and/ or neighbours who may need assistance

Important contact list

Contact Phone Website
Environment Agency / Floodline 0345 988 1188 flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk
Electricity North West (power cut) 0800 195 4141 enwl.co.uk
National Grid (electricity, gas) 0845 385 1111 nationalgrid.com
United Utilities (sewerage flooding) 0845 602 0406 unitedutilities.com
Highways (drain/road flooding) 0300 303 2992
District Council (sand bags, refuse) 01539 733333 southlakeland.gov.uk
Police (non-emergency) 101 cumbria.police.uk

If there is any damage to your home