How to Prepare
Within Cheshire, we work hard to reduce the risk of an emergency incident. However, it’s always good to be prepared. There are a few things you can do to make sure you and your family are ready.
Planning for an emergency
Step one - Be informed
To prepare for an emergency, take time to find out:
- where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home
- the emergency procedures for your children at school
- the emergency procedures at your workplace
- 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 - Click here for a list of your local radio stations
Step two - Be prepared
Make an emergency grab-bag of things you could need. Please see link below for further information regarding preparing an Emergency Grab Bag.
Step three – Prepare together
Remember - involve the whole family! If you have young children, there are a few things you can do to make sure they are prepared too. Check that children:
- know their first and last name
- know their full address
- can say and dial their home phone number
- know who to contact in an emergency.
Go in, Stay in, Tune in
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.
Of course, there are always going to be particular occasions when you should not 'go in', for example if there is a fire, or you are advised differently by the emergency services or your own common sense.
If you find yourself in the middle of an emergency, your common sense and instincts will usually tell you what to do. However, 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
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 inside a safe building
- stay inside until you are advised to do otherwise
- tune in to local radio or TV for more information
Leaving your home in an emergency
In certain unlikely situations, you may be asked to evacuate your homes by the emergency services. If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible.
If you have time:
- Turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies.
- Unplug appliances
- Lock all doors and windows
- Take your Emergency Grab Bag
- If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets
- Tune in to local radio and listen for advice and instructions
- Check your next-door neighbours have been warned
Do not attempt to collect children from school. The Police and their teachers will ensure they are safely looked after and that you are families are reunited when it is safe to do so.
Returning home after an emergency
When you are told that it is safe to return home, open windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.