September is Preparedness Month: #30days30waysUK

… goes live across social media every 1st September but there is no need to wait. You can access valuable resources from right here right now by exploring this site. Everyone is welcome to join and we are always keen on new partners.  Preparedness and resilience are a ‘group sport’, a race where everybody wins all the time.

Myth: I don’t need to worry about emergencies where I live

Truth: most communities can be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime

Household Preparedness

No one is alone in an emergency. The emergency services will respond but they cannot reach everyone right away.

There is a lot you can do to boost your personal safety and preparedness. It is easy and straight forward: plan, prepare, and practise. There are many actions you can take before, during and after an emergency.

Knowing about the hazards and threats that have happened or could happen in your area helps you to plan and prepare. Look online for your local community risk register or via your local council’s emergency planning team and Local Resilience Forum.

Access free templates and more information about Household Preparedness Plans via our linked google slides. Top Tip: download or PDF print your personal copy. In addition, check out our public google bookshelves.

Community Risk Register

It is important that you make your own emergency preparedness plan and create a support network of family, friends, neighbours and further afield.

Discuss and practise your plan with them. Make sure they have access to spare keys, know where you keep your emergency supplies and how to use lifesaving equipment and administer first aid.

You also need a so called ‘grab bag’ for safe evacuation. If you have pets or service animals, prepare an emergency kit for them too. Not all shelters accept animals so plan for alternatives. During #30days30waysUK September is Preparedness Month look out for our special day on preparedness with pets.

Access free templates and more information about Community Preparedness and Resilience Plans via our linked google slides. Top Tip: download or PDF print your persoanl copy.

Disability | Ill health

If you suffer from ill health, have a disability or impairment, then your preparedness plan is especially important. You will need to carefully consider the best options for you. Talk to your doctor, health worker and service providers to identify assistance and backup solutions, especially if you depend on life-saving equipment or medicine at home and/or undergo routine treatments in a clinic or hospital. Priority Services Registers are a free service by suppliers and network operators. Find out more via ofgem.

Parents | Carers

Talking to children and vulnerable people about emergencies and disasters can be challenging. Be reassuring and positive. Don’t terrify or alarm them. Find ways to gently yet truthfully explain what may happen and how you are planning and preparing for such events. Mention early warning signs and how the person should react. Discussing such matters sensitively several times a year reduces fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond appropriately. Make sure people know when and how to call for help and involve them in as many practical and pro-active ways of preparedness as possible, including practising your plan.