What to do in an emergency

Common sense and instincts will usually tell you what to do.

Call the emergency services

In an emergency, always call 999. Do not assume that someone else will.

Emergency services can assess how serious something is by how many calls they get about it.

If you can, tell them:

Follow any instructions the emergency services give you, either on the phone or at the scene.

Do not put yourself or others in danger.

Check trusted sources of information. For example, websites and social media accounts of:

You should also tune into radio stations and TV broadcasts.

Depending on the situation, emergency services or other officials may provide information through:

You must leave if the emergency services ask you to. It’s for your safety.

It’s likely that they’ll give you the option of going to a rest centre. This is a safe place and source of information for the ongoing emergency.

You can decide to go to friends or relatives instead. If you do, make sure emergency services or the local authority knows how to contact you.

You could decide in advance where you want to go and what to take with you when you prepare for an emergency.

If you or your neighbours need extra help, tell the emergency services. They'll make special arrangements for people with additional needs.

Try not to leave pets at home alone if you need to evacuate. They may not be allowed in a rest centre, so you should make a plan for your pets.

Assistance animals like guide dogs will be allowed at a rest centre.