Household Emergency Plan

Families and households can better cope with emergencies by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Below are basic steps to being prepared for emergencies:

Have a Plan
Make a plan with all members of your household (back page) & review it annually.
Getting prepared – Checklist:
Find out what local risks may affect you (e.g. flooding). Register for alerts and fit protective measures, if available.

  • Know where and how to switch off the following: Electricity cut off switch, Water stop tap and Gas emergency control valve,
  • Ensure you have valid building and contents insurance
  • Allow access for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors tests
  • Prepare escape routes from your house and teach all householders
  • Microchip your pet(s) and consider their needs in an emergency
  • Ask Parish/ Town Council if your community has an emergency plan

Have an Emergency Grab Bag
Know where your ‘grab bag’ essentials are to save time in an emergency.
Grab Bag – Checklist:

  • Wind up/ battery radio, with spare batteries
  • Torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Medication, repeat prescriptions, tissues, toiletries, sanitary supplies
  • Food & equipment for those with special requirements e.g. babies, pets
  • Spare warm clothing, sleeping bags or blankets, books and games
  • Your mobile phone, spare battery and charger
  • Extra car and house keys
  • Cash, wallet, credit cards, key cards
  • Copies of important documents – birth certificates, passports, licences, insurance policies (store originals in a fire and waterproof container)

Stay Inform
In major emergency situations, it may be necessary to issue warnings and advice to the public. These would normally be broadcast via local radio or TV channels. You can also sign up in advance to receive relevant information.

  • Tune in to local radio or TV
  • Check relevant social media accounts
  • Register with your utility companies if you may require extra assistance. Each maintains its own Priority Services Register.

Sign up for:

  • Cumbria Community Messaging: www.cumbriacommunitymessaging.co.uk
  • Flood Warnings: flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk

Responding to an incident

Ensure you are not in danger. If people are injured or there is a threat to life, dial 999 and follow instructions.
Generally, if the danger is outside (if it is safe to do so):

  • Go in a safe building
  • Stay in until you are advised to do otherwise
  • Tune in to local radio/ TV for more information

If the danger is inside:

  • Get out, stay out and call emergency services

If required and safe to do so:

  • Turn off utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
  • Install protection measures e.g. flood doors
  • If evacuating, collect grab bag
  • Check on family and/ or neighbours who may need assistance

If you have a flood gate the video below will explain how to deploy these:

Important Contact List
Contact Phone Website
Environment Agency / Floodline 0345 988 1188 www.flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk
Electricity North West (power cut) 0800 195 4141 www.enwl.co.uk
National Grid (electricity, gas) 0845 385 1111 www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/
United Utilities (sewerage flooding) 0845 602 0406 www.unitedutilities.com
Highways (drain/road flooding) 0300 303 2992
District Council (sand bags, refuse) 01539 733333 www.southlakeland.gov.uk
Police (non-emergency) 101 www.cumbria.police.uk

If there is any damage to your home let South Lakes Housing know on 0300 303 8540

For more information about Emergency Planning in Cumbria visit: www.cumbria.gov.uk/emergencyplanning
For information about Emergency Planning with South Lakes Housing contact customerservices@southlakeshousing.co.uk tel:0300 303 8540