Protect your family
What Would You Do If...? an emergency occurred in your home. Would you know what to do, who to call or even the quickest way to evacuate your home?
The following sections wil advice you on what to do before an emergency, during an emergency and after an emergency:
Before an emergency
- Know the risks in your area.
- Consider putting together an emergency supply kit to keep at home and in the car, for example contacts, important documents, mobile phone charger.
- Use the What Would You Do If...? postcard to put all your emergency contacts in one place, for example details of school and work, insurance and doctors details, and keep them in a place you will be able to find them easily.
- Create an evacuation plan.
- If you find yourself in a flood zone consider flood protection.
- Know the location of your water, gas and electricity supplies to your home and find out how to turn them off.
- Ensure you have insurance and know where the documents are located.
- Book yourself on a first aid course so you are prepared for medical emergencies.
You can also download our quick guide to preparing for an emergency
During an emergency
In a major emergency, if you are not involved in the incident, but are close by or believe you may be in danger, the best advice is to go inside a safe building, stay inside until you are advised to do otherwise, and tune in to local radio or TV for information.
- Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life
- Do 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.
- BBC Three Counties radio frequency depends on your location. Find your frequency
Of course, 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.
After an emergency
Once the emergency has been dealt with by the emergency services, the recovery of you, your community and businesses start.
Once you have arrived home:
- check your house on returning home, the same as you would when you return home from a holiday
- contact your insurance company
- contact the relevant water, gas, electricity or telephone company
- speak to your neighbours
Please be aware that many staff, including your local council and relevant companies, may be involved in dealing with the emergency and therefore services may not continue to be provided as normal during and immediately after an incident
You will not be on your own, support will be available. This can be accessed through your local authority, humanitarian assistance and charitableorganisations. Keep listening to BBC Three Counties or a local radio station to hear more about the available support. Find your frequency
