In an emergency, common sense and instincts will usually tell you what to do, but it can help to be prepared.
Things you can do now that could make a difference
Make sure you:
- have insurance and keep your documents safe
- have working smoke alarms fitted
- have working carbon monoxide alarms fitted
- know where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home
- know the emergency procedures for your workplace and child’s school
- know how to tune into your local radio stations
- have a plan for where you and any pets will go if you’re asked to evacuate
Pack an emergency kit, or ‘grab bag’
Plan what you might need to take with you if you need to evacuate. For example, things like:
- essential documents, like passports, ID and copies of your insurance and property deeds
- a list of essential contact numbers, like your doctor’s surgery
- cash or payment cards
- home and vehicle keys
- mobile phone, power bank and charger
- weatherproof clothing and blankets
- notepad and pen or pencil
- any medicines you need and a first aid kit
- glasses or contact lenses
- toiletries
- bottled water
- long-life food and snacks including any special dietary foods
- baby food and care items and toys
- wind-up or battery-powered torch and radio
Make a plan for your pets
To make sure your pets are safe, you should:
- check with your vet that your details are up to date on the microchip database
- arrange for your pets to stay with family or friends
- pack a pet emergency kit with things food, leads, carriers and toys
- fill in and display an emergency pet care form
Download and print the RSPCA's pet care form:
Be informed and update your details
You can check for risks and sign up to get alerts about some emergencies.
Check for risks of an emergency
The risks of emergencies vary depending on things like where you live or where you’re travelling to.
Check the Royal Greenwich and London risk registers for risks that could affect the borough and the capital.
Check for flooding or flood risk near you.
Stay safe and find advice about extreme weather.
Register with your energy company for extra support in an emergency
Some energy companies offer extra help for people who may need it. This might be, for example, if you have a disability, illness or small children.
Contact your supplier or visit the Priority Services Register (PSR) website.
Get alerts to your phone or email
You can get warnings about some emergencies:
Sign up for weather alerts from the Met Office.
Sign up for flood warnings on GOV.UK.
Sign up for air quality alerts by text, email or voicemail (AirTEXT).
The government’s alert system provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency. You do not need to sign up, but you should check that your device can receive the alerts.
Find out more about Emergency Alerts on GOV.UK.
Add emergency contact information to your mobile phone
Create an In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact in your phone. If something happens to you, emergency services can contact them even if your phone is locked.
Make sure the person knows they are your emergency contact. Remember, anyone who picks up your phone can see the information.
More tools to help you prepare for an emergency
We’ve created a booklet with about how you can help yourself be prepared for an emergency.
Download the residents’ guide to preparing for emergencies:
If you run a business, you should have a business continuity plan for emergencies.
Read our guide to emergency planning for businesses.
GOV.UK has lots of information about how to:
- get prepared for emergencies
- be informed about hazards
- get involved in your community and look after each other