In a major emergency, if you are not involved in the incident, but are close by or believe you may be in danger, the best advice is to go inside a safe building, stay inside until you are advised to do otherwise, and tune in to local radio or TV for information.

Of course, there are always going to be particular occasions when you should not "go in", for example if there is a fire, or you are advised differently by the emergency services or your own common sense says you shouldn't. Otherwise,

GO IN - STAY IN - TUNE IN

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To prepare for an emergency, you should take time to find out:

• Where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies in your home
• The emergency procedures for your children at school
• The emergency procedures at your workplace
• How your family will stay in contact in the event of an emergency
• If any elderly or vulnerable neighbours might need your help
• How to tune in to your local radio station

If you are at home and an emergency happens, try to gather together:

• A list of useful phone numbers, such as your doctor's and close relatives
• Home and car keys
• Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication
• A battery radio, with spare batteries
• A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
• A First Aid kit
• Your mobile phone
• Cash and credit cards
• Spare clothes and blankets

Also, it is always useful to have:

• Bottled water, ready-to-eat food (e.g. tinned food) and a bottle/tin opener, in case you have to remain in your home for several day

In certain very unlikely situations, you may be asked to leave your home by the emergency services. If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible. And, if you have time:

• Turn off electricity, gas and water supplies, unplug appliances and lock all doors and windows
• See the items listed above for what to take with you
• 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 that it is safe to return home, open windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.

Heatwave
Steps to take during a heat wave:

• Listen to bulletins on radio and television and follow health advice
• If a heatwave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat
• If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm)
• If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you
• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck
• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water
• Older people are much more prone to the effects of heat. You can help older relatives or neighbours by checking on them, if possible, every day, and reminding them to drink plenty and often. Help them to keep their house as cool as possible

Power Failure
Turn most of your appliances off and unplug any hi tech equipment (tv, computer, fax machines, videos etc). This may prevent damage when the power comes back on. If possible, leave them unplugged for half an hour or longer after the power has come back on.

• Leave one or two lights on so you know when the electricity supply is back on
• Remember your cordless telephone probably won't work when the electricity is off
• Keep a torch handy with spare batteries
• Be very careful if you are using candles
• Keep warm in bed or with alternative heat sources. Remember: Your gas central heating won't work without electricity
• Don't try and heat your home with your gas cooker - you could allow too much toxic carbon monoxide to build up in your home
• Keep safe. Don't open the door to strangers. Anyone who is authorised to enter your home to restore the supply will have proper identification, which you can check with the Distribution Company. If in doubt, don't let them in
• When your power does come back on, remember to reset your appliances, particularly those with clocks.

Pandemic Flu
The virus is spread through the air when people cough or sneeze. There are some basic measures that you can take to reduce the risk of infection. Facemasks will have little place in preventing the spread of the virus but you can:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully - bag and bin them
• Avoid non-essential travel and large crowds of people whenever possible
• Maintain good hygiene - washing hands frequently in soap and water protects against picking the virus up from surfaces and passing it on
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product