What to do in an emergency • Make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if lives are in danger • Don’t put yourself or other people in danger • Follow the advice of the emergency services • Try to remain calm and think before you do anything. Try to reassure other people • Check for injuries – but make sure you help yourself before trying to help anyone else What to do if an incident happens and you feel you are in danger • Go inside a safe building • Stay inside until you are told it’s safe to come out • Tune into local radio or TV for more information • If the building is not safe, e.g. it’s on fire, obviously you shouldn’t go in, but generally the advice is: GO IN, STAY IN, TUNE IN (click to download pdf of document, see www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk) How you can prepare for an emergency • Make sure your family knows where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home • Make sure you all know how to stay in contact • Ask elderly or vulnerable neighbours if they might need help • Know how to tune into local radio stations – frequencies are provided here. (link to local radio frequencies section of site) Preparing an Emergency Pack for you and your family Advise your parents or guardians to gather together: • A list of useful phone numbers, such as your relatives’ • Home keys/car keys • Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any prescribed medication you take • A battery radio, with spare batteries • A torch, with spare batteries, plus candles and matches • A first aid kit • Mobile phone • Cash and credit cards • Spare clothes and blankets It’s also useful to have bottled water, read-to-eat food (e.g. tinned) and a bottle/tin opener, in case you have to stay in your home for several days. What to do if you have to leave your home This is very unlikely, but if it does happen, leave quickly and calmly. If there’s time: • Make sure the electricity, gas and water are turned off, unplug appliances and lock doors and windows • Bring your Emergency Pack (link to game) • If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets, and tune in to local radio for emergency advice and instructions • When you are told it’s safe to return home, open windows to let in fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies. Dealing with threats Fire • Reduce fire hazards in your home • Tell your parents/guardian to fit and maintain smoke alarms - at least one on every floor • Most fire deaths and injuries occur while people are sleeping. Talk to your family about planning an escape route should a fire break out at night. • If there is a fire, get out, stay out and call 999 • Never use the lift during a fire • If you are trapped in smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is cleaner • If a door feels hot, do not open it, as it probably means there is a fire on the other side • Remember - never re-enter your home until the Fire and Rescue Service has made it safe. For more information, go to www.nifrs.org |
