There is a lot you can do now to prepare yourself and your family for emergencies and disruptive events.

This section suggests some straightforward, commonsense actions that could stand you in good stead in a wide range of situations.

Making the time to agree a household emergency plan will help you and your family stay safe in all kinds of emergencies.

And putting together an emergency kit means you will have the information and equipment you need to hand, whatever the situation.

In an emergency you should call 999 and follow instructions.

The emergency services are trained and equipped to respond to all kinds of emergencies. If the emergency is serious and affects many people, they will be very busy and so you should be able to help yourself, and others, where you can.

Think about carrying one or more ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact numbers on your mobile phone or in your wallet or purse. This means that if they need to, emergency responders like paramedics can contact people who know you, and potentially get important medical information, as quickly as possible.

We acknowledge the help of the Red Cross, which has has provided some of the information on this site. More information and resources to help individuals, communities and organisations be better prepared to cope with emergencies is available on the Informed. Prepared. Together. website.