Prepare your family

Why prepare?

You should take steps to make your household more resilient to an emergency. In an incident your home may lose power for hours, or even days. Some emergencies might mean you need to leave your property at short notice, and perhaps not return for some time.

How to prepare

Make sure you:

• make a grab bag, with supplies you may need in an emergency, or if you have to leave your home
• create a ‘Household Emergency Action Plan’, including how to get in touch with your family, and where to meet if you cannot make contact
• sign up for Met Office Alerts and Environment Agency Flood Alerts and Warnings
• check your flood risk
• join the Priority Services Register, if you are eligible. Join your gas/electricity suppliers and contact your water provider join their Priority Services Register.

Guidance on preparing for emergencies

Stay informed about emergencies

Insurance

Get insurance for your home and contents, making sure it covers everything you need. You may need further advice on flood insurance if you live in a flood-risk area.

Protecting your home from flooding

In a flood-risk area it's a good idea to prepare your property for flooding.

• Homeowners guide to flood resilience
• Find out where you can get sandbags

Emergency pack

An emergency pack contains items that may help you if you lose power or have to leave your home. Have the pack ready and accessible to help you save time and worry.

Evacuation checklist

An evacuation checklist is a reminder of what you will need to take with you if you have to leave your home in a hurry.