Preparedness advice
Simple, practical steps you can take this weekend. This is general guidance; for official, up-to-date advice see GOV.UK/prepare.
Make a household plan
- Agree where you would meet if you were apart, and who will collect children or relatives.
- Write down key phone numbers on paper in case your phone is dead.
- Know how to turn off your gas, water and electricity.
- Check on neighbours who may need extra help.
Flooding
- Check your flood risk and sign up for free warnings at GOV.UK.
- Move valuables and important documents upstairs.
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. 30cm of moving water can move a car.
- Keep a kit upstairs, with water, torch, radio and medicines.
Power cuts
- Dial 105 to report or get information on a power cut.
- Use torches, not candles, and keep fridge and freezer doors closed.
- Never use barbecues or camping stoves indoors: carbon monoxide kills.
- Keep phones and power banks charged when severe weather is forecast.
Wildfires
- Keep a bag ready by the door with essentials, medicines and documents.
- Close windows and doors and stay away from smoke if you have breathing difficulties.
- Follow instructions from fire and rescue services and leave when told.
- Never light fires or barbecues in dry countryside.
Staying informed
- Keep a battery or wind-up radio. Mobile networks may be busy or down.
- Follow your local council and the Met Office for alerts.
- Be careful of rumours: use official sources only.
Where to store your kit
- Choose a cool, dry, easy-to-reach spot, such as a cupboard or under the bed.
- Check dates every six months and rotate food and water.
- Keep a small kit in the car in winter.