If an emergency occurs whilst you are at home, in most
situations the emergency services and your estate managers will
advise you to
go in, stay in and tune in. Sheltering in
place is an effective way to protect yourself in many
emergencies. However, you should only do so if directed by
the emergency officials.
If you are asked to invacuate in place it’s always useful if
possible to have a number of items that you can gather together in
case you have to remain in your home for several days. Useful items
you may wish to include:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable, ready-to-eat tinned foods, and manual can
opener
- A list of useful phone numbers such as your doctor’s and close
relatives’
- First-aid kit, medications and prescriptions
- A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches
- Battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries
- Whistle (to attract attention)
- Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products,
toothbrush and toothpaste etc
- Spare clothes and blankets
- Phone that does not rely on electricity
- Child care supplies or other special care items
Periodically check expiry dates of any food you may consider
putting aside for emergency use only.
Grab bag
A grab bag is an assortment of items you or your household may
need in the event of an evacuation. It should be easily
accessible if you find you have to leave your home in a
hurry. It could contain the following:
- Copies of your important documents in a waterproof seal (proof
of address, photo Id)
- Extra set of car and house keys
- A small amount of cash
- Bottled water and non-perishable food such as energy or cereal
bars
- A torch with spare batteries
- Medication and other essential personal items. Be sure to
check expiry dates on medication periodically. Keep a list of
the medications each member of your household takes, why they take
them and their dosages.
- Child care supplies or other special care items
- First-aid kit
- Useful contact details