Protecting yourself

The ability to protect yourself and your loved ones can be incredibly useful during an emergency, and relatively easy to do. You can do lots of things to prepare for emergencies.

This page outlines recommended actions to take to protect yourself prior and during an emergency.

Along with this, the Community Risk Register provides more detail on preparedness and the risks you may be vulnerable to.

Preparation

Some emergencies require remaining at home and taking shelter, others will require an evacuation. Find out how to prepare for both instances below.

Go in, stay in, tune in

In the case of most major emergencies, the advice is to go inside, stay inside, and tune into local radio.

Local radio stations are used to broadcast emergency warnings and information, as it is one of the most accessible and reliable means of communication.

Agencies such as the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Met Office, Environment Agency, and Health agencies work together with BBC Radio Northampton (and other media outlets) to make sure that accurate and up-to-date information is broadcast.

With most incidents, the safest place to be is indoors, and with correct preparation you should be able to stay there safely for some time. Establishing an Emergency Grab Bag is a great first step to being prepared.

However, there are a few other things you should take the 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 for your workplace
• how your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency
• if any elderly or vulnerable neighbours will need your help
• how to tune into your local radio station
• a list of useful phone numbers
• where you would go if you were asked to evacuate

A lot of this information can be written down and stored in your Household Emergency Plan.

Evacuation

In certain situations, emergency services may ask you to leave your home so you must be prepared to leave quickly and calmly. Preparing an Emergency Grab Bag and Household Emergency Plan is a good way to be prepared for this.

If you have time, and it is relevant to do so:

• turn off electricity, gas, and water supplies, unplug appliances
• lock all doors and windows
• take the items identified through your household emergency plan and grab bag
• if you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets
• take your pets (with suitable carriers or leads)
• tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions
• inform emergency services of where you have gone and how you can be contacted
• ensure you take all health aids, including glasses, hearing aids, ability aids and any prescribed medication

Emergency Grab Bag

An emergency grab bag should contain everything you may need during an emergency to sustain yourself for some time. An emergency grab bag should be pre-prepared and kept in an easily accessible place in your home.

Why do I need an emergency grab bag?

Many people do not prepare an emergency grab bag as they believe it will never be used. However, when the time comes, it is far better to be overprepared than underprepared.

An emergency grab bag can become necessary in a variety of emergencies, including:

• house fire
• flooding
• power outage
• utility outage

What should I put in my emergency grab bag?

An emergency grab bag should only contain necessities. However, these may change depending on the season and will be dependent on your needs as a household. The grab bag should be updated regularly throughout the year, to ensure everything is still relevant and in working order.

The list below is not necessarily exhaustive, and you are advised to consider the essential needs for your family:

• Phone charger and battery bank (fully charged)
• Torch (wind-up or battery powered with spare batteries)
• Whistle
• Radio
• Personal toiletries
• First aid kit
• Seasonal clothing
• Whistle
• Household emergency plan
• Bottled water and non-perishable emergency food
• Glasses and/or contact lenses
• Medication and copies of prescriptions for regular medication
• Essential childcare supplies
• House and car keys
• Money
• Important documents - insurance policies, passports, National Insurance numbers, etc

Remember, this should be the only bag you need to take with you when you evacuate. It is important to consider that when deciding what to put in it.

More information on how to make an Emergency Grab Bag can be found in the Household Emergency Plan documents below.

Household Emergency Plan

A Household Emergency Plan includes all the information you could possibly need during an emergency and should be stored in your grab bag. It is an important tool to help you prepare for circumstances out of your control, and ensures your entire family follows the same plan in case you get separated for any reason.

Where do I start?

Have a look at our household emergency plan template and guidance documents. Both documents are accessible and easy to follow, ensuring the process is as simple as possible!

Plans, templates and guidance

If you would prefer to have Word document versions, please email [email protected].

Last updated 31 May 2024