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What to do in case of an emergency

An Emergency as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 is `an event or situation which threatens serious damage to human welfare in a place in the UK, the environment of a place in the UK, or war or terrorism which threatens serious damage to the security of the UK.

Emergencies can affect gas, water, power and may strike without warning, which could cause you to need to evacuate your home at short notice so it is best to have an evacuation plan.

Direct.gov- preparing for emergencies

General advice about what to do in an emergency

If you are involved in an emergency, it is important to:

  • Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured, or if there is a threat to life.
  • Not put yourself or others in danger.
  • Follow the advice of the emergency services.
  • Try to remain calm and think before acting, and try to reassure others.
  • Check for injuries - remember to help yourself before attempting to help others.

Your Home Emergency Pack

It would be useful to keep a supply of items in your home, making sure everyone knows where they are stored. Suggestions include:

  • Waterproof clothing.
  • Torch, batteries, candles and matches.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Bottled water.
  • Long-life food ? cans/dried.
  • Blankets/sleeping bags.
  • Baby food and pet food if applicable.

What you can do to prepare

Find out:

  • How to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home.
  • How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency.
  • If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help.
  • How to tune in to your local radio station.

If you have to Evacuate your home

If you can, have a bag already packed with the following items or have a bag available to pack them:

  • A list of useful phone numbers.
  • Home and car keys.
  • Torch with spare batteries.
  • Battery radio with spare batteries.
  • First Aid Kit and any medication.
  • Mobile phone and charger.
  • Cash and credit and debit cards.
  • Spare clothes and blankets.
  • Special items for family members, babies, elderly etc.

Make sure you have adequate household insurance and that you store important documents such as these and others carefully e.g. in a safe place from fire and flooding.

Go In, Stay In, Tune In

If you are not involved in the incident, but are close by or believe you may be in danger, in most cases the advice is: Go In, Stay In, Tune In.

  • GO IN, as the safest place may be indoors, closing all doors and windows.
  • STAY IN, until you are advised otherwise by the emergency services or local radio.
  • TUNE IN, to your local radio station or television for advice and guidance.

Do Not collect children from school unless you have been informed to do so, they will be properly cared for.

There are always going to be particular occasions when you should not 'go in' to a building, for example if there is a fire. Otherwise: Go In, Stay In, Tune In.

Local radio stations

  • BBC Black Country 95.6fm
  • Heart FM 100.7 FM
  • Smooth Radio 105.7 FM
  • Touch 102/107.1/107.3 FM