If you are not involved in the emergency but are close by, or think you are at risk, go inside. Close all doors and windows, stay in your home, school or workplace and listen to local radio and TV stations for updates until you are told it is safe to leave.

What you can do to prepare

Make sure your family know what to do by creating a household plan. This could help you deal with the situation quickly and effectively. 

Writing a household plan

You should:

• identify possible exit and escape routes from your house. It is good to have a few alternatives in case one route is blocked
• agree a couple of meeting points to meet up with members of your family in case you cannot return home because of an incident
• create your grab bag in case you have to leave your home in an emergency
• ensure you, and everyone in your family knows, where the stop taps for your water, gas and electricity are
• check your insurance policy is up to date and correct
• find out which local radio stations you can tune in to for the latest information during an emergency
• remember to review your plan a few times a year with family members to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency

Preparing a grab bag

If you must leave home at short notice, a grab bag can help you leave quickly with everything you need if you must spend a few days away from home.

Grab bag items could include:

• toiletries
• first-aid kit
• medication
• battery powered or wind-up radio
• battery powered or wind-up torch
• spare batteries
• notebook, pen or pencil
• blankets
• baby food and accessories
• children’s toys and activities
• bottled water
• non-perishable food and snacks
• spare keys for house and car
• insurance documents or details
• money
• glasses or contact lenses
• mobile phone and charger
• candles and matches
• pet food and accessories

Tips about your grab bag:

• keep your grab bag in a safe place
• include anything else you would need if you left your home in a hurry
• make sure the bag is easy to carry
• check the grab bag regularly to make sure it is appropriate for each season
• check that perishable items are still in date