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Make a household emergency plan

How to make a simple emergency plan for your household in the UK, so everyone knows what to do and where to go.

WHAT TO DO NOW

  1. 1Agree how you'll get emergency information (Emergency Alerts, BBC local radio, official websites).
  2. 2Choose a meeting point near home and one further away in case you can't get back.
  3. 3Pick an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with if local phones are busy.
  4. 4Note key numbers on paper: family, doctor, school, utilities (105 for power), insurer.
  5. 5Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water at the mains.
  6. 6Make sure everyone knows where the emergency kit and grab bag are.

What not to do

  • Do not keep the plan only on a phone that might run out of battery — print a copy.
  • Do not forget to include children, older relatives, pets and anyone with extra needs.
  • Do not leave the plan unreviewed — update it when your circumstances change.

What is it?

A household emergency plan is a short, agreed set of arrangements — how you'll get information, where you'll meet, who you'll contact and what you'll grab — so everyone can act quickly under stress.

What might happen?

In an emergency you might be separated, unable to get home, or have to leave quickly. A plan removes guesswork when you're stressed or tired.

First 10 minutes

Talk it through with your household now and write down the key points.

First hour

Agree meeting points and an out-of-area contact; note key numbers; locate your mains shut-offs and emergency kit.

First 24 hours

Print the plan, put a copy in the grab bag, and make sure everyone knows it.

If it continues for several days

Review the plan when your household, contacts, school or work change — at least once a year.

Children

Teach children the meeting point, the out-of-area contact, and how to call 999.

Older & vulnerable people

Include care needs, medication, mobility aids and support contacts for anyone vulnerable.

Pets

Include arrangements for pets — who takes them, and their food, carrier and records.

Communications

Agree the out-of-area contact and keep a written contact list in case phones or networks fail.

Official sources

This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.

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