Guides
What to do before, during and after common emergencies in the UK. During an incident, follow instructions from the emergency services.
What could happen
- Power cutsMost are short, but a wider outage can affect heating, phones, card payments and water.
- FloodingRisk depends on where you live. Flooding can cut off roads and utilities and take months to recover from.
- Storms and severe weatherHigh winds, heavy rain and snow can block roads and damage power lines.
- HeatwavesHot weather is most dangerous for babies, older people and people with health conditions.
- Cold, snow and iceProlonged cold puts pressure on heating, travel and health.
- Loss of water supplyA burst main, contamination or drought can stop or restrict tap water.
- Gas leaks and carbon monoxideWhat to do if you smell gas, and how to protect against carbon monoxide.
- Fire at homeWorking smoke alarms and a practised escape plan save lives.
- Phone, internet or cyber outageA network failure or cyber attack can stop calls, payments and online services.
- Disease outbreakAn outbreak can mean staying home, disruption to services and changing health advice.
- Major incident or attackRare, but you may be told to stay indoors, avoid an area or leave quickly.
Your household
- Leaving home in a hurryA small grab bag and a plan for where to go.
- Medical needs and disabilityPlan ahead for medicines, equipment and the help you might need.
- Children and babiesSimple plans that children understand, and the supplies they need.
- Pets and assistance animalsFood, water and a plan for where they go if you have to leave.
- Food safety and hygieneKeeping food safe and staying clean without power or water.
- Staying informedWhere to get trustworthy information when things go wrong.
- After an emergencyGetting back on your feet and restocking.