Immediate danger to life: call 999 or 112.

UK Ready is an independent information site. Current official instructions for your area take priority over this general guidance.

Choosing whether to shelter or leave

Sources checked 13 October 2026

Action summary

  1. Identify the danger nearest to you. Fire or gas inside your building requires a different response from a hazardous cloud outside.
  2. Follow a current instruction for your location if one is available.
  3. If the danger is inside, use a safe escape route.
  4. If radiation or a chemical release is outside and you are told to shelter, get into the nearest suitable building.
  5. If you are instructed to evacuate, follow the specified route and destination.

First actions

  1. Identify the danger nearest to you. Fire or gas inside your building requires a different response from a hazardous cloud outside.
  2. Follow a current instruction for your location if one is available. Check the issuing organisation, affected area and time.
  3. If the danger is inside, use a safe escape route. If you cannot escape safely, call 999 and describe exactly where you are.
  4. If radiation or a chemical release is outside and you are told to shelter, get into the nearest suitable building. Avoid travelling home just to shelter there.
  5. If you are instructed to evacuate, follow the specified route and destination. Ask for help early if you cannot travel independently.
Situation Immediate direction Important condition
Weapons attack nearby Escape if safe or hide and call police when safe Use Run Hide Tell rather than a household shelter checklist
Fire or smoke in your home Follow your escape plan and call 999 Never enter a smoke-filled route; flats have building-specific arrangements
Suspected gas or carbon monoxide inside Get to fresh air and obtain emergency advice Call from a safe place; avoid sparks or flames
Radiation outside Go indoors and follow local sheltering advice Move to a safer nearby shelter if the building is burning or unstable
External chemical release Shelter as instructed and reduce air entering from outside Move away first if you are at the release; do not shelter in its source building
Flood approaching Follow warnings and evacuation instructions Avoid basements and never walk or drive through floodwater
Extended power cut Assess water warmth medicines and communications Plan a safe supported move before essential needs become critical

A shelter should protect you from the actual hazard and remain habitable. An underground room is unsuitable if it is flooding, full of smoke or structurally unsafe. Never make one general rule override these dangers. If two official messages appear inconsistent, check their areas and timestamps and seek clarification from the issuing service when possible.

Prepare now: Discuss safe rooms and exits, an accessible alternative place to stay, and how to move someone who depends on a lift or medical equipment. These are household planning recommendations, not a promise of assistance or a safe evacuation route during every incident.

Sources

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