What to do in a major emergency

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In most emergencies you will be advised to shelter where you are.

Go in
Go indoors, close doors and windows and shut down ventilation systems if it is safe to do so. Unless there is an obvious risk to the property this will give you good short-term protection against most hazards. If you’re away from home, go into a shop or other public building and wait for further instructions.

Stay in
Stay indoors until you know more about the situation and the appropriate action you need to take to protect yourself further. The action you should take will be different depending on the incident; you could put yourself at more risk by not waiting for further instructions.

Tune in
Tune in to local radio and television to find out more about what is happening. BBC Radio Suffolk (95.5, 95.9, 103.9 & 104.6 FM) and many other local radio stations will broadcast messages advising people of the current situation and what actions they should take.

What to expect if you are alerted by the police

If you are alerted to an incident by the police it is likely that you will be asked to stay indoors and close outside doors and windows.

If the police do ask you to leave your home:

  • Please follow the instructions the police issue. Their prime responsibility is your safety and they will know more than you do about the level of danger.
  • Switch off gas and electrical appliances, and put out coal burning fires.
  • If there is time, take warm clothing, special food for babies and any medicines you may need.

It is likely that the police will ask you to go to a rest centre. If you decide to go anywhere else it is important to let them know so that you can be accounted for.

Emergency items

You may find it useful to keep the following items in an 'emergency box' in your home:

  • Torch and batteries - remember to check the batteries every now and then;
  • Candles and matches in a safe container;
  • Portable radio and batteries;
  • Something to drink - cans of drink, bottled water, etc;
  • Notebook, pens and pencils;
  • Something to occupy any children.

Make sure medicines, toiletries, spare contact lenses, etc. are easily available to put in the box when necessary.