Prepare for an emergency

An emergency or disaster could include:

• loss of services like water, power, gas and telephones
• damage or the threat of damage to your property
• evacuation from your home or neighbourhood 

You can be prepared and put in place a plan if an emergency or disaster happens. This will help you and your family cope with the unexpected. Download the home emergency guide.

How to prepare

• make a list of the key risks in and around your home, like gas canisters or nearby rivers
• create a home emergency plan - how will you respond to the risks you've listed?
• you can also get together with your neighbours and create a community plan
• check your fire alarms and safety equipment regularly
• know how to switch off your water, electricity and gas
• plan what to do if flooding threatens your home
• keep a list of emergency contact numbers to hand
• keep some supplies at home and have a grab bag ready

Get warnings and alerts

• keep in touch through local news and radio
• find out what we're doing to help through the website, Twitter (@RBKingston) and Facebook (follow Kingston Council on Facebook)
• sign up for warnings or check the websites of your electricity, gas or water supplier
• sign up for flood alerts if you're in an area likely to flood
• follow the Met Office's severe weather warning 

During an emergency

• be calm and patient, deal with important things first
• avoid hazards like fires and damaged power cables
• care for anyone injured, but only if it is safe to do so
• avoid using matches in case gas services are damaged (if you smell gas, turn off the main valve, open the windows, move everyone outside to a safe place)
• check your neighbours are ok, especially any vulnerable people

If you have to evacuate

• follow the directions of emergency services
• only turn off gas, electricity and water if you know they are not damaged or you've been told to by the emergency services
• make sure your pets are safe if they can't come with you
• tell your family and friends where you're going
• take essential medication with you
• secure your home, lock the windows and doors