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This advice has been provided by the local authorities in Berkshire:

• Bracknell Forest Borough Council

• Reading Borough Council

• Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

• Slough Borough Council

• West Berkshire Council

• Wokingham District Council

HOW TO PREPARE

The chance of being caught up in a major emergency or disaster are low. Nevertheless it may happen and this information shows you how you can be better prepared to protect yourself and others.

WHAT IS A MAJOR EMERGENCY?

Essentially a major emergency is something on a scale that needs special arrangements to deal with it, such as:

• Serious transport accidents (plane, train, motorway pile-up)

• Extreme weather – storms, flooding

• Major crime/terrorism/public disorder

• Explosion/fire/industrial accident

• Toxic chemical spillage/radioactive release

• Shortages of essential supplies – water, food, power

• Infectious disease outbreak

The emergency services, local authorities, health trusts, voluntary agencies and the utility companies all have co-ordinated emergency plans in place. The aim is to save life, contain the hazard, protect the public and return to normality as soon as possible, but the task is made much easier if the public also know what to do in an emergency.

Being prepared for a major emergency also means that you can deal more effectively with minor ones. In most situations you will either need to seek immediate shelter from the threat or hazard or to move right away from it, so it makes sense to have a plan to do both. Useful steps you can take beforehand include:

• Make a list of important contacts, such as family, friends and neighbours, your children’s school, your GP, veterinary surgery, your gas, electricity and water supplier, your insurers and so on. Carry this in your wallet or handbag and keep copies handy at home, at work or in the car

• Arrange for a friend or relative out of your area to be the family contact point in case your family become separated during an emergency

• Make up and emergency pack for home, work and the car (see below)

• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies

• Even if you normally listen to other stations, know how to tune into your local radio station for public safety information in an emergency (2-Ten FM – 102.9 & 103.9FM and Kick FM – 105.4 and 107.4FM)

• Check that your insurance cover is up to date

• If in a flood risk area, keep a stock of empty sandbags and sand

EMERGENCY PACKS

AT HOME

Prepare an emergency pack containing:

• a battery powered radio (with local radio frequencies marked)

• torch

• spare batteries

• first aid kit

• a copy of your contact list

• bottled water/canned drinks

Make an evaluation checklist of items to pack quickly if you are suddenly advised to leave your home. This might include:

• your emergency pack (above)

• warm clothing

• essential medication and personal items e.g. glasses

• baby food, nappies

• wallet, purses and bank cards

• mobile phone and charger

• pet carrier/collar and lead (take pets with you if possible, as the emergency could be prolonged)

IN THE CAR

This may vary according to the time of year, but keep these items in the car as a basic emergency kit:

All year round

• bottled water

• first aid kit

• torch and batteries

• cigar plug lead for mobile phone

• sweets, longlife snacks

October to May

• a waterproof coat

• wellington boots

• spare socks (can also be used as gloves)

AT WORK

Know the emergency procedures for your workplace thoroughly. In some situations you might have to remain at your workplace for safety. Your building may have good facilities but even so it could pay to think about what you would need if you had to stay overnight!

EMERGENCY ACTION CHECKLIST

Type of Emergency	Beforehand	During/After
Severe gale/storm (forecast gusts over 70mph	 Secure outdoor items  Bring pets indoors  Close doors and windows  Draw curtains in case of flying glass  Check on vulnerable neighbours  Monitor TV/radio weather warnings (but unplug external TV aerial during thunderstorms)	 Stay indoors until storm passes  Check for damage, make safe if possible  Beware fallen cables, weakened trees, loose masonry
Flooding e.g. a “Flood Warning” or “Severe Flood Warning” is issued	 Move possessions to a higher level  Protect doorways and airvents with sandbags or flood boards  Monitor TV weather reports, and the Environment Agency’s Floodline 0845 988 1188 or website at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/  Flood warnings are also on Ceefax page 419 & Teletext page 154	 If your home is flooded, turn off gas, electricity and water supplies  Move upstairs if possible  If trapped in deep flooding stay by a window and call for help  When water receded DON’T switch gas etcetera back on until all systems are inspected  DO throw away food that has been in contact with flood water
Toxic chemical or radiation release If you were very near a possible radiation or toxic chemical release and you think you may have been contaminated – wait for the emergency services, they will provide decontamination facilities. This will include asking you to remove any contaminated clothing and showering in portable shower units. Replacement clean/dry clothing will be provided.	 Go indoors and stay there  Bring pets inside too  Close outside doors, windows, air vents  Turn off fans – hot air heating systems, ventilation etcetera  Cover all unsealed fresh food  Listen to your local radio station for further advice	 DON’T go outside until told it is safe to do so  DON’T try to collect children from school unless instructed to – they will be looked after  DON’T use rainwater, or eat locally grown vegetables until told they are safe  DON’T leave the scene or take yourself to hospital if you think you’re contaminated WAIT for specialist advice

For urgent assistance (police, fire, ambulance) always dial 999. In the event of fire, GET OUT AND STAY OUT!

Otherwise: GO IN, STAY IN, TUNE IN

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