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Staying safe in an emergency

Advice on what to do in case of an emergency.

Prepare an emergency grab bag

This is a useful bag that's packed with essentials in case you need to evacuate your home. It should be stored somewhere you can easily get to. Handy things to keep in your grab bag include:

  • mobile phone charger
  • spare home and car keys
  • toiletries, sanitary supplies
  • first-aid kit
  • any essential medication or details of your prescription
  • a wind-up or battery-operated radio with spare batteries
  • torch with spare batteries
  • cash and credit cards
  • spare clothes and blankets
  • sensible flat shoes
  • bottled water
  • a stock of non-perishable snack items
  • essential items for babies or pets

If the emergency services ask you to leave your home, do so as quickly and calmly as possible. If you have time:

  • turn off electricity, gas, and water supplies
  • unplug appliances
  • lock all windows and doors
  • take your grab bag with you