Emergency planning

Large scale emergency incidents will inevitably occur from time to time and they can have a huge effect on people’s lives.

However, by planning ahead it is possible to reduce the chances of one happening, and also lessen the impact it may have.

Tips for Improving Self-preparedness

Whilst alll incidents or emergencies are different in terms of the dangers to members of the public and the response required (e.g. stay indoors or evacuate) there are a range of relatively simple and inexpensive measures that can be adopted to enhance self-reliance and to minimise possible disruption:

• Keep a battery-powered torch in an easily accessible place in case of a disruption to the power supply. 
• Have a battery powered or wind up radio available so that you can tune into the local radio station for information or advice.
• Maintain a small supply of ready to eat food that does not require preparation or cooking.
• Keep a supply of fresh bottled water in case of a disruption to the water supply.
• Have some warm clothing or blankets available in case of a disruption to the power supply.
• Ensure that your landline telephone works properly in the event of a power cut and is not reliant on electricity.  Do not rely solely on a mobile phone as networks may become overloaded and the mobile phone may need recharging.
•  Rember to maintain a supply of spare batteries.
• Keep all medication and prescriptions in an easily accessible place in case you are asked to evacuate.  Remember to take them with you.
• Identify any special needs or requirements that anyone in your house or premises may have.  For example, the elderly, young children, those on medication or those with disabilities.
• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers to hand (e.g. GPs, the local authority, utility companies, etc.).
• Try and familiarise yourself with the procedures for switching off gas, electricity and water supplies to your house or premises.

'Go In, Stay In, Tune In'

In the case of most major emergencies, the simple advice to follow is go inside, stay inside, and tune into local radio. 

With most incidents the safest place to be is indoors, and with correct preparation you should be able to stay there safely for some time (remember in the case of a fire in a building you are in - get out and stay out).

Hertfordshire Resilience and the county's radio stations work together to make sure that they can give out accurate and upto date information to keep people fully informed on what to do if there is a major incident.

Radio is easily accessible.  You can listen to it in the car, and as long as you have a battery powered or wind-up radio you can listen in even if there is a power cut.

Useful contact details

Emergency services dial 999

• Fire stations: in case of emergencies ask for Fire and Rescue. 
• Police stations: in case of emergencies ask for Police.
• Hospitals: if an ambulance is needed in an emergency situation.  All general hospitals provide a 24 hour accident and emergency service.  Click link to Accident and Emergency hospitals.
• Gas: if you smell gas, telephone the gas emergency number: 0800 111 999
• Electricity: if you have a problem and wish to contact local providers 24 Seven in an emergency, for 24 Seven (East Anglia) telephone: 0800 7 838 838 and for 24 Seven (London) telephone: 0800 0208 247
• Floodline:  if you wish to get details on flooding, call 0845 988 1188

          Information cards containing advice on being prepared for an emergency

• Bengali Zcard: 1.69MB - emergency information in Bengali
• Chinese Zcard: 1.29MB - emergency information in Chinese
• English Zcard: 798KB - emergency information in English
• Punjabi Zcard: 1.42MB - emergency information in Punjabi
• Turkish Zcard: 1.31MB - emergency information in Turkish

The Government has also issued advice on steps people can take to help themselves and their family in the event of an emergency.  This came in the form of a booklet that was delivered to every home in the UK and through the Preparing for Emergencies website. This can be visited by clicking on the link  'Preparing for Emergencies' website.