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Weather and other emergencies

Stranded at work, on public transport or on the road

Use this when: You cannot safely complete your journey or return home.

Current official instructions for your area take priority. UK Ready is an independent information site, not a government service. This guide is written from the official sources listed below; it has not yet had a specialist review. Sources checked 13 October 2026.

ACTION SUMMARY

  1. 1Follow transport staff and emergency-service instructions.
  2. 2If radiation or a chemical release is outside, use the nearest suitable shelter and do not travel home simply to be reunited.
  3. 3For a journey you cannot postpone, carry suitable clothing, water, food, essential medicines, a charged phone, a power bank and a paper contact number.
  4. 4Motorway breakdown: If possible reach a safe place on the left and follow National Highways guidance.

In detail

Follow transport staff and emergency-service instructions. If public transport is halted, it is usually safer to remain in the managed safe place and wait for assistance than to enter tracks, tunnels or restricted areas. Do not open doors or leave a train onto the railway unless instructed or facing an immediate danger managed through emergency advice.

If radiation or a chemical release is outside, use the nearest suitable shelter and do not travel home simply to be reunited. Let a trusted contact know where you are when possible. Check medication, warmth, water and access needs and ask staff for help before these become urgent.

For a journey you cannot postpone, carry suitable clothing, water, food, essential medicines, a charged phone, a power bank and a paper contact number. Download maps in advance for ordinary navigation, but do not treat offline navigation as information about live closures or contamination.

Motorway breakdown: If possible reach a safe place on the left and follow National Highways guidance. If safely stopped away from live traffic, leave through the side away from traffic when safe and wait behind a barrier where accessible. If you cannot safely leave or have stopped in a live lane, stay belted with hazard lights on and call 999. Do not walk across live lanes, repair a vehicle in them or attempt to help another driver from an unsafe position.

National Highways operates in England. Use the relevant road authority's advice in the other nations and obey local directions. Never enter a lane closed by a red X or drive around a closure to avoid delay.

Weather isolation: Do not drive through floodwater or embark on a long exposed walk through snow or severe heat. Ask the operator or local authority about confirmed assistance and accommodation. Keep dependants supervised and avoid leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Prepare now: Think through a work or travel emergency plan which does not rely on mobile apps, instant collection by a partner or your car being available.

Official sources

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

Adapted Crown copyright material is used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. No government endorsement is implied.

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