What to do in an emergency

Guidance for emergency situations, evacuation protocol, and other relevant resources

During an emergency

During an emergency, you should:

Go indoors (take shelter in a building)
Stay in a room away from the industrial area (stay in a building until the emergency is over)
Avoid cellars and basements
Close all windows
Tune in (tune in to local radio or TV for updates) and check our Borough Alert page, for regular updates

Keep informed

In an emergency, the authorities will broadcast safety information on local media and on websites.

You can also:

Evacuation

The emergency services can order an evacuation of homes and businesses as a result of a life-threatening event. The council will receive the evacuees. At the scene of the emergency, there is likely to be a Local Authority Liaison Officer. You will recognise them by the council logo on their high visibility jacket. Information on where to go and updates relating to the incident will be provided. If you are asked to leave the cordoned area as an evacuee take essential items, such as medication, if you have time.

Pets and animals

In an evacuation, take your pet with you. Make sure they have their identification tag on and carry a photo of them with you, in case you get separated. Read the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website for more information.

Humanitarian assistance centre

Humanitarian assistance centres act as a point of information to bereaved families, friends of those missing, injured or killed, survivors, and to all those directly affected by, and involved in, the emergency. Visit the Gov.uk website for more details about the role of humanitarian assistance centres.