Staying safe in an emergency

We plan for any emergency situation in Southwark. This is so that when an incident happens, we can respond quickly. We assess the risk of any emergency situation, and publish our response plans. These are tested during exercises to make sure all staff know what to do.

Our generic emergency plan shows how we respond to emergencies. It covers:

• risk assessment
• preparation and planning
• response, warning and informing
• recovery

Whatever the emergency, our support to the community will be to:

• assess, respond and manage the teams and services of the council in supporting the community and residents
• provide specialist care or humanitarian services if people have been displaced or affected 
• assess, agree and assist with a recovery strategy with all key stakeholders
• make sure day to day critical services are maintained

We can integrate our response into London-wide plans to respond to an emergency.

How to prepare

But we all have a responsibility to be prepared for an emergency. Take time to find out:

• if friends or family can offer you a place to stay if you have to leave your property
• your escape route, ensure you have keys for window locks both upstairs and downstairs
• emergency procedures for your children at school
• emergency procedures at your workplace
• how your family will stay in contact in an emergency
• who could look after your pets and how you'll get them there
• any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who might need your help
• how to access information at the time of an emergency, for example, through the council website or local radio station
• what specific hazards or events could affect you and your property

Protect your home

You can protect your property by:

• storing items of value and important documents in waterproof or sealed plastic bags upstairs or high up in case of flood
• knowing where and how to turn off water, gas, and electricity supplies in your home
• checking that you're insured - find out exactly what your insurance company will cover and if they'll arrange clean-up and repair work