What To Do in an Emergency
Severe gale/storm
Forecast gusts over 70mph
Beforehand
- Secure outdoor items
- Bring pets indoors
- Close doors and windows
- Draw curtains in case of flying glass
- Check on vulnerable neighbours
- Monitor TV/radio weather warnings (but unplug external TV aerial during thunderstorms)
During and after
- Stay indoors until storm passes
- Check for damage, make safe if possible
- Beware fallen cables, weakened trees, loose masonry
Flooding
Eg a flood warning or severe flood warning is issued
Beforehand
- Move possessions to a higher level
- Protect doorways and airvents with sandbags or floodboards
- Monitor TV weather reports, and the Environment Agency's Floodline 0845 988 1188
- Flood warnings are also on Ceefax page 419 & Teletext page 154
During and After
- If your home is flooded turn off gas, electricity and water supplies
- Move upstairs if possible
- If trapped in deep flooding stay by a window and call for help
- When water recedes DON'T switch gas etc back on until systems are inspected
- DO throw away food that has been in contact with flood water
Toxic chemical or radiation release
If you were very near a possible radiation or toxic chemical release and you think you may have become contaminated - wait for the emergency services, they will provide decontamination facilities. This will include asking you to remove any contaminated clothing and showering in portable shower units. Replacement clean/dry clothing will be provided
Beforehand
- Go indoors and stay there
- Bring pets inside too
- Close outside doors, windows, air vents
- Turn off fans - hot air heating systems, ventilation, etc.
- Cover all unsealed fresh food
- Listen to your local radio station for further advice
During and After
- Don’t go outside until told it is safe to do so
- Don’t try to collect children from school unless instructed to - they will be looked after
- Don’t use rainwater, or eat locally grown vegetables until told they are safe
- Don’t leave the scene or take yourself to hospital if you think you're contaminated wait for specialist advice
