Emergency planning

Emergency planning is the general term for the work that the government, emergency services, health services and the local authority all do in preparing contingency plans and procedures for dealing with any emergency that might affect large numbers of people.

In this section:

Home emergency pack

An emergency could happen at any time and have a variety of consequences. One way to be better prepared is to have a ready-made emergency grab bag in your home that is stored in an accessible area.

What to put in your emergency grab bag

  • Torch or wind up torch
  • Radio marked with frequencies for local stations
  • Batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Bottled water / canned drinks
  • Baby food and care items
  • Mobile phone (and charger)
  • Money and bank cards
  • Basic toiletries
  • Essential medicine
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • ID
  • Home and car keys
  • Insurance documents

Evacuation checklist

  1. Listen to the advice of the emergency services.
  2. Collect your emergency grab bag.
  3. Check you have your keys, wallet and phone.
  4. Grab some warm clothing to change into.
  5. Move pets to safety.
  6. Make sure you secure your home properly.
  7. Follow the directions from the emergency services.

Keep a supply of tinned food and bottled water at home in case you need to stay indoors.

In an emergency, always call 999: police, ambulance, fire and rescue.

The government is working hard to make sure that the UK is as prepared as it can be in the event of an emergency, and it is important that you are ready too.

By being informed and prepared, you can significantly reduce the risk to life and property.

Page last updated: 07 Aug 2023