There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you protect yourself and others in an emergency:
- keep all important telephone numbers with you including those of family and friends
- ensure you and your family all have the phone number of a friend or relative who lives outside Middlesbrough
- make family plans for local emergencies and ensure your children know what to do; consider practicing the plans
- if you live near an industrial site you will be advised about any special emergency arrangements that have been put in place - ensure your family understand what to do.
In an emergency
In the event of an emergency you should initially, if it's safe to do so, follow the advice to:
Go in
Go indoors and close all doors and windows
Stay in
Stay inside until you hear it's safe to leave
Tune in
Listen to local radio or TV for regular updates and further instructions.
You may also be able to get information and advice via Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice), Cleveland Fire Brigade (@ClevelandFB), and Middlesbrough Council (@MbroCouncil) on Twitter, but you should always pay most attention to local radio and TV.
Importantly, consider any neighbours who may have trouble hearing, reading or understanding information that is given out. Help them if you can.
Would you consider helping out in an emergency? If so, have a look at the Community Reserve Volunteers programme run by the British Red Cross.
An emergency kit is useful for all sorts of situations, serious or not. It should contain:
- a radio
- a torch
- sufficient spare batteries
- a first aid kit - consider first aid training as it can be invaluable even for every day situations
- any medication you or your family cannot do without
- bottled water
- food for at least three days
- a tin opener
For further information about preparing for emergencies please visit the Red Cross website.