Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency?
Some practical advice on how to prepare for a variety of emergency incidents.
(If you have a medical, fire or police emergency, dial 999)
Flooding:
If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding:
- Check that you have adequate home insurance.
- Register for Flood Alert.
- Prepare an overnight bag, just in case you have to be evacuated.
- You may want to have a supply of sandbags or other barriers - Peterborough City Council will not necessarily be able to supply these.
In the event of your home flooding:
- Stay calm, and turn off utilities. Do not turn them back on until they have been professionally checked.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, especially the elderly and infirm.
- Call Floodline for updates on 0845 988 1188.
- If you are trapped or in danger, call 999.
- After the flood, call your insurer.
- Only use reputable companies for repairs.
- Throw away food items which have been in contact with flood water.
- For advice on disposal of bulky household items click here
The Environment Agency offers full flooding advice. Visit their website or call 0845 988 1188.
In the event of a severe storm:
- Secure loose outdoor items such as garden furniture.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Check on vulnerable neighbours, especially the elderly or infirm.
- Close windows and pull curtains to guard against flying glass.
- If you suffer storm damage, inform your insurer.
- Be careful of hazards such as falling masonry, loose cables etc.
- If you are concerned about a dangerous structure (high wall, roof tiles etc) contact us on 01733 453422 or 01733 453505 (out of hours) or click here for more advice.
If there is severe snow:
- Only make absolutely essential journeys.
- If you must travel, let someone know your plans and get an up to date weather report.
- Pack a flask of hot drink, a blanket, a torch, mobile phone and charger. Put a spade in the boot if possible.
Go in, Stay in, Tune in.
If for any reason you are asked to remain in your home for safety (for example, in the event of a chemical spill), follow the instructions of the emergency services. During an emergency, the media have agreed to broadcast public saftey advice and updates, so watch the television or tune in to local radio. (It may be useful to keep a wind-up radio).
You can get local news and weather updates on these channels:
- BBC Radio Cambridgeshire 95.7fm Channel 12D
- Hereward Radio 102.7fm
- Lite FM 106.8fm
Evacuation.
In the unlikely event that you are asked to leave your home:
- Stay calm and follow the advice of the emergency services. Inform them of any vulnerable neighbours who may need assistance.
- Take personal items such as medicine, baby supplies, keys, toiletries and a change of clothes if possible.
- Peterborough City Council may open a rest centre to accommodate you overnight if necessary. You should register your name on arrival.
- Provision will be made for different faiths as far as possible.
- We can look after your pets but you should bring dog leads etc with you.
Be Prepared!
- Keep a list of important phone numbers somewhere handy. Include insurance company, utility providers, landlord, family members etc.
- Prepare a home emergency pack. This might include:
- Torch and batteries
- Portable radio
- Bottled water
- Change of clothing
- Spare medication and baby supplies
- Money
- Spare keys
- Important phone numbers
- Make sure your family all know what to do in an emergency. Do your children know how to dial 999?
- Keep your home insurance up to date!
- Know where the gas, water and electricity mains are and how to turn them off.
- Store important documents such as passports, insurance policies etc in a safe, easily accessible place.
- Keep a basic first aid kit, which might include plasters, sterile wipes, bandages, scissors, saftey pins and eye wash. (Keep it out of the reach of small children)
For any further assistance, contact the Resilence Team on 01733 207207 or email resileinceteam@peterborough.gov.uk