Prepare
Yourself
Guidance for individuals
Preparing yourself for an emergency helps you stay safe, make informed decisions, and reduce the impact of disruption. Emergencies can happen quickly and without warning. Taking simple steps in advance will help you respond confidently and protect yourself in a range of situations.
5 ways you can
Prepare for an emergency in Cheshire
Preparing yourself before an emergency occurs will help you stay safe, reduce stress and uncertainty
Understanding the risks in your area allows you to take simple, practical steps to protect yourself and others
Prepare an Emergency kit or grab bag
Preparing an emergency kit with key essential food, equipment and medication will help if you need to move quickly in an emergency.
Whether you need to stay in your home or leave, it’s useful to have an emergency bag, also known as a grab bag. Keep this is an easy to reach place and let your household know where it is.
Things it should have in at all times:
Wind up torch (or torch and spare batteries)
Bottled water
Non-perishable food / snacks
Spare glasses / hearing aid batteries
Spare house and car keys
Spare phone / chargers
Spare pet supplies (lead and food)
A written list of key contacts and information (passport numbers, insurance information, medication details)
You may also consider:
First aid kit
Spare clothes
Blankets
Toiletries
Hand sanitiser
Baby formula, nappies, wipes
Wind up radio (or battery powered)
Evacuation checklist (you can get these just before you leave) make sure you have them in an accessible place
Any medicines you/ others with you need to take regularly
Phone
Keys
Credit / debit card / ID
Warm clothes and appropriate footwear
Cash
Loss of power or utilities
Power, water, or gas outages can happen during severe weather or infrastructure failure.
Prepare by keeping essential items such as a torch, spare batteries, bottled water, and warm clothing.
Know how to safely turn off utilities if needed and keep important contact numbers accessible.
You can call 105 for free to report a power cut.
To find out your electricity network operator and for further information visit UK Power Cut?
Severe weather impacts
Heavy rain, snow, storms, or heatwaves can disrupt daily life and affect your safety.
Stay informed through weather alerts and follow advice from local authorities.
Take simple precautions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding unnecessary travel during severe conditions.
Disruption to travel and local services
Emergencies can affect roads, public transport, and essential services.
Plan ahead by allowing extra time for journeys and identifying alternative routes.
Have a plan in case you are unable to return home or reach your destination.
Access to food, water or medication
During an emergency, access to shops or pharmacies may be limited.
Keep a small supply of essential items, including non-perishable food, drinking water, and any important medication.
Make sure you can manage for a short period without needing to travel.
What to do if there is an emergency?
Understand the risks that could affect you locally and nationally.
Take simple steps to reduce disruption, such as preparing essential supplies and planning how you will respond.
Create a personal emergency plan that includes:
How to stay informed during an emergency
Important contact numbers
Meeting points or safe places
What to do if you are away from home
Keep important items and information easy to access.
Follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
Stay informed using trusted sources and avoid unnecessary travel.
Take action to keep yourself safe and stay in contact with others where possible.
In an Emergency: If someone’s life is in danger ring 999.
Important non-emergency numbers
Police: 101
NHS: 111
Power cuts: 105
Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999
Floodline: 0345 988 1188
Check your safety and wellbeing.
Follow guidance on recovery and returning to normal activities.
Review your plan and update it based on your experience.