Guide · Disasters and emergencies

Evacuating your home

Sometimes the safest place is somewhere else. If you're told to leave, going quickly and calmly, with the right things, makes the whole journey easier.

Get ready before you need to

• Pack a grab bag for each person: water, snacks, a torch, a radio, a phone charger, medicines, copies of important documents, cash, a change of clothes and basic toiletries.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies and emergency contacts on paper, not just on your phone.
• Plan two ways out of your area and agree a meeting place outside it.
• Choose somewhere you could stay, such as friends or family in another town.
• Think about pets: carriers, leads, food and records.
• If someone in your home has limited mobility, plan now how they'll get out.

When you're told to leave

1. Follow instructions from your local authorities and emergency services. Use the routes they give, even if they're longer.
2. Leave straight away. Waiting can mean blocked roads or worse conditions.
3. Take your grab bag, medicines, phone and charger, and pets.
4. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that protect you from the weather.
5. If there's time and it's safe, and you've been told to, turn off gas, electricity and water.
6. Close and lock windows and doors.
7. Let someone outside the area know where you're going.

On the way

• Drive carefully and keep the radio on for updates.
• Don't take shortcuts the authorities haven't recommended.
• Never drive or walk through floodwater, or towards smoke or flames.
• Watch out for fallen power lines and damaged roads.
• If you don't have transport, ask your local authorities or neighbours for help early.

At an emergency shelter

• Register when you arrive so family can find you.
• Bring bedding, medicines and anything you need for children or older relatives if you can.
• Follow the shelter's rules and look out for people who seem to be struggling.

Going home

• Only return when the authorities say it's safe.
• Look for damage before you go in: cracks, smells of gas, damaged wiring.
• If you smell gas, leave at once and call for help from outside.
• Photograph any damage for insurance.

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