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What to do before an emergency

General picture

Emergencies can happen anywhere, but the chance of you being caught up in one is low. In the unlikely event that you are involved in an emergency, the advice below tells you what you can do to better prepare yourself.


What you need to know

Our community risk register – what you need to know and how you can prepare for emergencies provides information and advice in an easy to read guide which can be used to improve household, business and community resilience.

There is also a household emergency checklist you can use to help you be more prepared along with our be prepared leaflet.

Be prepared

Emergency kit 2
Emergency kit

You will be better prepared to deal with an emergency if you put together an emergency pack. The following items should be included:

  • Radio
  • First aid kit
  • Torch
  • Pad/pen
  • Contact lists
  • Phone charger
  • Bottled water
  • Snack bars
  • Other essential items like medication you may be using
GOV.UK Prepare


Emergencies such as flooding, fires and power cuts can affect us all. There are simple and effective steps you can take to be more prepared by visiting the government's new resilience website 'Prepare'.

Last updated: 4 Jul 2024, 5 p.m.