A new emergency plan has been launched to help households prepare for unexpected situations.
The Household Emergency Plan, introduced by Worcestershire County Council, is designed to support residents across in planning ahead for emergencies and putting practical steps in place.
Councillor Alan Bailes, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety and regulatory services, said: “Nobody likes to think about emergencies, but spending just a little time preparing now can give you and your family real peace of mind.
“We see different seasonal risks throughout the year, from wildfires during hot, dry weather to flooding during the autumn and winter months.
“Most incidents are dealt with quickly and effectively, but having a simple plan in place means you’ll know what to do and where to turn if you’re affected.
“Our Household Emergency Plan is designed to make preparation easy.
“It’s not about causing concern, it’s about helping people feel confident and ready for whatever comes their way.”
The plan provides practical advice and a template for recording essential information such as emergency contacts and meeting places and medication requirements.
The plan also helps households record details about utilities, school collection arrangements, pet care and emergency grab bag checklists.
It covers a range of potential emergencies, including flooding, fires, extreme weather, utility failures, industrial incidents or chemical spills, and road or rail accidents.
During widespread emergencies, it may take time for emergency services to reach everyone, so residents are encouraged to keep essential supplies, medication and important documents ready and to be prepared to manage independently for up to 72 hours.
Worcestershire County Council said that creating a plan can be a useful way to involve the whole family, ensuring everyone knows what to do and who to contact in an emergency.
For more information and to download the plan, residents can visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/worcestershireprepared.
