Planning for an Emergency
Preparing for a disaster, or other civil emergency, is just one of
many unseen activities carried out by the Council, but probably the
only one we would prefer not to have to put into practice. Like
most other authorities, the Council is able to respond to a civil
emergency every day, at any time, throughout the year.
The Council's civil emergency plan
has, unfortunately, been activated several times in the last two or
three years and it sometimes involves assisting in the evacuation
of the public from their homes. Evacuation brings with it all sorts
of worries and regrets about what should have been done but hasn't
been. With that thought in mind, we would like you to consider the
following questions and what you might need to do.
- Does your family know where you would go, or how to get in
touch with you, if you were separated following a house fire,
evacuation, or the like?
- Is there a family member or friend outside of your village or
town who would accept reverse charge phone calls for co-ordination
of local family activities, and to let them know you are safe and
where you are?
- Do you have the necessary paperwork for repeat prescriptions or
obtain specific equipment should your existing prescriptions be
damaged or lost? (Talk to your Pharmacist and/or Doctor about
this.)
- Have you made a list of valuables and/or made a video tape of
your home, and kept a copy in safe keeping perhaps with family or
friends away from where you live (perhaps even with the insurance
company or safe deposit box)?
- If you were evacuated to a shelter, what would you do with your
pets? Have you called a local kennel previously to set up
accommodations for your pet?
Civil Emergency Preparations
Preparing and assembling an evacuation supplies kit for your home
is important. Store the supplies in an easy to carry container such
as a backpack or duffel bag. Include:
- Confirm upon arrival at a shelter that it can meet any special
care needs that you may require. If your shelter cannot, seek an
alternative shelter that can meet your needs if the situation
allows.
- A battery powered radio, torch, plenty of extra batteries for
them, and extra hearing aid batteries. Listen for the locations of
emergency shelters.
- A first aid kit, any prescription medications you take, and an
extra pair of glasses. Include copies of written prescriptions for
medications and glasses.
- A supply of non-perishable foods and a non-electric tin opener,
plus any special foods you require.
- Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, medication, catheters, food
for guide dogs, or other special equipment you might need.
- A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
- Blankets, sheets, pillow and/or sleeping bags.
- A list of family physicians and the relative or friend who
should be notified if you are injured, along with a backup
contact.
- A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such
as pacemakers.
- An extra set of car keys.
- Make arrangements for pets, as these are not generally allowed
in public shelters.
Does Your Family Have a Emergency Plan?
Creating an Emergency Plan
Meet with your family and discuss
why you need to prepare for an emergency. Explain the dangers of
fire and severe weather to children. Plan to share responsibilities
and work together as a team.
- Discuss the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen
in your area. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet:
- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a
fire.
- Outside your neighbourhood in case you can't return home.
Everyone must know the address and phone number.
- Ask an out-of-town friend to be your 'family contact.' Other
family members should call this person and tell them where they
are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of
your pets.
Emergency Check List
- Post emergency numbers by telephones (fire, police, ambulance
etc).
- Teach children how and when to call 999 or your local emergency
medical services number for emergency help.
- Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas
and electricity at the main points.
- Check to see if you have adequate insurance coverage.
- Install hardwired smoke detectors on each level of your home,
especially near bedrooms.
- Conduct a home hazard hunt.
- Stock emergency supplies and assemble an emergency supplies
kit.
- Attend a first aid class.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try and find
two ways out of each room.
- Find the safest spots in your home.
Other Pointers
- Quiz your children every 6 months on what to do.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to
manufacture's instructions.
- Test your smoke detectors monthly and if battery operated,
remember they may need to be changed. Test radios as local
authorities often use local radios to deliver messages.
The Direct Services Division at
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council always has an emergency team on
standby ready to deal with a civil emergency. If there is any part
of your plan that you need some assistance with, please feel free
to call the number below.