Emergencies can occur with little or no warning so it is important to be prepared. If you are well prepared for emergencies, you will be more resilient and be able to withstand the effects of an emergency and return to normality much quicker.

Home emergency plan

Have a discussion with your family members about what you would do during an emergency. Some things that you might want to cover include identifying:

• key numbers of family members and knowing how you will contact each other in the event of an emergency
• an escape route from your house - try to keep this route free of obstacles
• family members or neighbours who may need extra help in an emergency
• someone you could stay with if you have to evacuate your home
• key contact details such as your electricity company, water, gas, insurance provider etc

Emergency kit

In the event of an emergency you may be required to evacuate your home with little or no warning for your own safety. It is recommended that you have an Emergency Kit prepared and keep it somewhere easily accessible in your home with all the important items you may require in an emergency including warm clothing, wind up radio, bottled water, medication and important documents.

Preparing for Emergencies is practical government advice on preparing for emergencies. 

For advice on how your business can prepare for emergencies, please visit our Business Continuity pages.